Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $76.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in University Place, WA runs $76.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $159,972 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,980 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to reach $76.91 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $73.02. This elevated rate reflects not only local demand but also the high-pressure environment in which these professionals operate, often within en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or bustling airport traffic control towers. For part-time and per-diem workers, this equates to an attractive earning potential, particularly for those working 24 hours over three days a week, which provides flexibility while still offering substantial income. Entry-level controllers can expect hourly rates starting at approximately $44.61, while top earners in the region could reach up to $112.07. It’s essential to note that these hourly estimates derive from annual salary projections, creating a robust outlook for current or aspiring controllers in University Place, WA.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.61 | $356.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.38 | $443.02 |
| Median (P50) | $76.91 | $615.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.61 | $764.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.07 | $896.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $76.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.91/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $159,967 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,288. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,076.28 | $13,331 | $159,967 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,845.77 | $7,998 | $95,980 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,230.51 | $5,332 | $63,987 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (University Place) | $76.91 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in University Place, WA earn a median of $159,972 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $163,071.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.91/hr = $95,980/year (purchasing power: $89,367).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $159,967/year (purchasing power: $148,945).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in University Place grew 20.4% from $62.28/hr (2019) to $74.98/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.88/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in University Place
Evaluating the part-time earnings for a controller working three days a week in University Place reveals a different picture when compared to full-time roles. Part-time professionals may take home a respectable income, but seasoned controllers working overtime at understaffed facilities can significantly boost their earnings. Many controllers find themselves working 50-60 hours each week, resulting in effective hourly compensation that can exceed their base rates due to overtime pay calculated at 1.5 times the regular rate. Per diem air traffic controller pay in University Place can also be negotiated for training at various facilities, adding to overall income. In addition, hourly rates often vary among different types of employers, including FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contract tower operations. Some controllers opt for lower wages at FAA facilities where health benefits are provided, while others pursue higher pay without benefits, trading off security for pay. As industry pressures continue, hourly workers in this field should consider strategic negotiation tactics, emphasizing their experience and the critical need for staffing in this demanding environment.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in University Place. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for University Place is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov