Air Traffic Controller Salary in Honolulu, HI: $188,815 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Honolulu, HI earns a median $188,815/year (≈ $90.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $158,269 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Honolulu, HI, air traffic controllers can expect a competitive median annual salary of $188,815 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national figure of $151,886. Salaries vary widely within the market, with a range from $109,513 at the 10th percentile to as high as $279,453 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the differences in experience, facility type, and responsibilities. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, highlight that the pay structure for air traffic controllers in this city is primarily influenced by the type of facility they operate in, such as en route centers, terminal approaches, or control towers. Those working in en route positions tend to earn more due to the complexity and higher traffic volumes, clearly indicating a robust job market for this crucial profession in Honolulu.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,513 | $52.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $135,946 | $65.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $188,815 | $90.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $241,684 | $116.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $279,453 | $134.36 |
Median Salary Position
24.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $169,940 (2026 est.). At $188,815, the local median is 24.31% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Honolulu Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $188,815/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $177,458 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +24.31% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $188,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.31% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $177,458.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $188,815 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $158,269 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$152,894
2025 BLS Actual
$184,084
2026 Current Est.
$188,815
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $152,894 | Actual |
| 2020 | $162,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $161,297 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,405 | Actual |
| 2023 | $170,782 | Actual |
| 2024 | $180,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $184,084 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $188,815 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $193,668 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $152,894 (2019) to $184,084 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $193,668 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,774 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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) | $109,513 – $135,946 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $135,946 – $188,815 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $188,815 – $241,684 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $241,684 – $279,453 |
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 Honolulu
The local job market features 68 air traffic controllers, providing a stable employment environment amidst Honolulu's unique economic landscape, which boasts a cost-of-living index of 119.3. This higher cost of living can impact take-home pay, making it essential for controllers to consider potential earnings against expenses in this city. Within Honolulu, employment options include FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach controls, both typically offering higher pay than airport traffic control towers. Controllers can maximize earnings through various strategies including seeking positions at en route facilities, gaining CPC certification, and taking advantage of shift differentials, which can add significantly to their salaries. Additionally, controllers should be aware of opportunities for overtime, a frequent necessity due to staffing levels, providing another avenue to enhance compensation. Understanding these dynamics can empower aspiring or current controllers to strategically navigate their careers in Honolulu.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
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 $184,084 for air traffic controllersin the Honolulu 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 Honolulu 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