Air Traffic Controller Salary in Washington, DC: $179,364 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Washington, DC earns a median $179,364/year (≈ $86.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Washington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.9), that paycheck buys what $164,729 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the District of Columbia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Washington, DC, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $179,364 in 2026, reflecting a significant compensation premium compared to the national average. This sector showcases a salary range that varies widely, with starting positions at around $48,987 (P10) and experienced controllers potentially earning up to $231,480 (P90). This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, illustrates how the en route Level 12 facilities typically command the highest salaries, often exceeding those at terminal and tower locations. As a critical hub in the nation’s air traffic control system, Washington’s job market for controllers remains robust, and those aligning with top-tier en route centers can reap substantial financial rewards.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,987 | $23.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,987 | $23.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $179,364 | $86.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $213,007 | $102.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $231,480 | $111.29 |
Median Salary Position
18.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Washington
In Washington, DC, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $182,493 (2026 est.). At $179,364, the local median is 18.09% above the national median of $151,886.
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How Washington Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Washington median: $179,364/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Washington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia Average | $177,764 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +18.09% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Washington, DC earn a median of $179,364 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.09% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% above the District of Columbia state average of $177,764.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Washington has a cost of living 8.88% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Washington, DC has a cost-of-living index of 108.884 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $179,364 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $164,729 — a 8.16% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$148,250
2025 BLS Actual
$174,870
2026 Current Est.
$179,364
2019–2027 Growth
+24.1%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $148,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $157,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $163,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $166,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $170,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $176,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $174,870 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $179,364 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $183,974 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Washington metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 18.0% from $148,250 (2019) to $174,870 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $183,974 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,724 (24.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington 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) | $48,987 – $48,987 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,987 – $179,364 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $179,364 – $213,007 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $213,007 – $231,480 |
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 Washington
The air traffic controller job market in the Washington area comprises approximately 1,800 professionals, with a cost-of-living index of 108.884, indicating that living expenses are above the national average. This reality directly impacts take-home purchasing power, emphasizing the need for controllers to optimize their salaries. Among the highest-paying employers are FAA en route centers (ARTCCs), which handle high-altitude traffic, and FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, known for intensive traffic management. Factors contributing to salary variability include facility level—where en route positions typically offer higher pay—certification status, shift differentials, and the regular availability of overtime due to ongoing staffing shortages. Controllers can enhance their earnings by strategically seeking opportunities in high-traffic facilities, pursuing CPC certification, and considering shift work that may incorporate additional pay.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
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
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 $174,870 for air traffic controllersin the Washington 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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