Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wasilla, AK: $148,979 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Wasilla, AK earns a median $148,979/year (≈ $71.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Wasilla's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 106.1), that paycheck buys what $140,414 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Alaska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wasilla, Alaska, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $148,979 in 2026, offering a competitive pay level compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary range for controllers in this region stretches from $86,498 at the P10 to $202,571 at the P90 level, indicating a diverse market that rewards experience and specific responsibilities. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, reflect the nuances of different facility tiers, such as en route and terminal versus tower operations. As Wasilla's air traffic controller job market develops, the salary implications from these various facility types notably influence overall compensation, shaping expectations for prospective controllers in this Alaskan community.
About the Wasilla Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,498 | $41.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,265 | $51.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,979 | $71.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,031 | $89.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202,571 | $97.39 |
Median Salary Position
1.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wasilla
In Wasilla, AK, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,073 (2026 est.). At $148,979, the local median is 1.91% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wasilla: You'd be above the median
How Wasilla Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Wasilla median: $148,979/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wasilla Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $161,232 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -1.91% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Wasilla, AK earn a median of $148,979 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.91% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.60% below the Alaska state average of $161,232.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wasilla has a cost of living 6.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wasilla, AK has a cost-of-living index of 106.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $148,979 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $140,414 — a 5.75% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$120,636
2025 BLS Actual
$145,246
2026 Current Est.
$148,979
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wasilla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,636 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,924 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,267 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,719 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,751 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,168 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,246 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,979 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,808 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wasilla metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $120,636 (2019) to $145,246 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $152,808 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,172 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wasilla 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $86,498 – $107,265 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,265 – $148,979 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,979 – $186,031 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,031 – $202,571 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Wasilla
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Wasilla is relatively limited, with only four controllers currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 106.1, suggesting that while salaries may be slightly below the national average, the cost of living impacts purchasing power. En route centers typically offer the highest pay, followed by terminal radar approach control facilities and airport traffic control towers. Pay discrepancies often arise from factors such as facility tier, CPC certification status, and shift differentials, resulting in wide variations in earnings. Controllers looking to maximize their pay in Wasilla should consider gaining CPC status, taking on overtime opportunities, and exploring positions that include locality pay or higher tier roles.
More salary data for Wasilla, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Wasilla, AK in 2026?
Is Wasilla, AK a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Wasilla?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Wasilla?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Wasilla?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alaska
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $145,246 for air traffic controllersin the Wasilla metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wasilla 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