Air Traffic Controller Salary in Washington, UT: $144,744 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Washington, UT earns a median $144,744/year (≈ $69.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Washington's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $147,547 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual air traffic controller salary in Washington, UT, is $144,744 for 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $151,886, reflecting a -4.70% variance. This figure is influenced by the industry’s chronic understaffing, which often requires controllers to work overtime. In fact, air traffic controllers in the region can see their earnings rise significantly due to 50-60 hour workweeks, with salaries ranging from $83,951 at the 10th percentile to $208,597 at the 90th percentile. The estimates provided are based on 2025 BLS data and account for regional price variations, highlighting how the competitive pay landscape and workload demand impact potential earnings in Washington's job market.
About the Washington Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,951 | $40.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,705 | $51.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,744 | $69.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,272 | $89.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $208,597 | $100.28 |
Median Salary Position
4.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Washington
In Washington, UT, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,646 (2026 est.). At $144,744, the local median is 4.7% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Washington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Washington Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Washington median: $144,744/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Washington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $149,067 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.70% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Washington, UT earn a median of $144,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.70% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.90% below the Utah state average of $149,067.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Washington has a cost of living 1.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Washington, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $144,744 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,547 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,207
2025 BLS Actual
$141,117
2026 Current Est.
$144,744
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
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 | $117,207 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,287 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,649 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,031 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,793 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,117 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,744 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,464 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Washington metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $117,207 (2019) to $141,117 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,464 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,257 (26.67%) 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) | $83,951 – $107,705 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,705 – $144,744 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,744 – $185,272 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,272 – $208,597 |
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
In Washington, only six air traffic controllers are currently employed, illustrating a tight-knit community in the field. The cost of living index at 98.1 indicates that day-to-day expenses are somewhat lower than the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of their take-home salaries. Among local employers, the FAA plays a significant role, particularly in en route centers and terminal control divisions, typically offering the highest pay due to traffic volume and complexity. The pay range disparity is further influenced by factors such as facility level, CPC certification status, and shift differentials. Controllers can maximize their earnings in this market by seeking overtime opportunities, considering positions in higher-tier facilities, and aligning with specialty roles that may provide additional compensation, allowing for a more lucrative career path in air traffic management within Washington, UT.
More salary data for Washington, UT:
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 $141,117 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
Salary data for Washington 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