Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bellevue, WA: $181,547 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Bellevue, WA earns a median $181,547/year (≈ $87.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Bellevue's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $169,038 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.3% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller salaries in Bellevue, Washington, reflect a significant premium compared to the national averages, driven by the unique economics of the field. The projected median annual salary in 2026 is expected to be $181,547, showcasing a robust 19.53% increase over the national median of $151,886. With a salary range spanning from $105,297 at the 10th percentile to $278,204 at the 90th percentile, controllers in Bellevue can significantly enhance their earnings through overtime, often putting in 50 to 60 hours weekly due to chronic understaffing. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, highlight the vibrant demand for skilled professionals in this sector, making Bellevue a competitive market for air traffic control careers.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,297 | $50.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,714 | $62.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $181,547 | $87.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $232,380 | $111.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $278,204 | $133.75 |
Median Salary Position
19.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellevue
In Bellevue, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $172,907 (2026 est.). At $181,547, the local median is 19.53% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bellevue: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bellevue Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Bellevue median: $181,547/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bellevue Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,115 | +11.30% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +19.53% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Bellevue, WA earn a median of $181,547 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.53% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 11.30% above the Washington state average of $163,115.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bellevue has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bellevue, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $181,547 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $169,038 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$147,008
2025 BLS Actual
$176,998
2026 Current Est.
$181,547
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $147,008 | Actual |
| 2020 | $155,889 | Actual |
| 2021 | $155,088 | Actual |
| 2022 | $158,077 | Actual |
| 2023 | $164,208 | Actual |
| 2024 | $173,069 | Actual |
| 2025 | $176,998 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $181,547 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $186,213 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bellevue metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $147,008 (2019) to $176,998 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $186,213 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,205 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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) | $105,297 – $130,714 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,714 – $181,547 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $181,547 – $232,380 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $232,380 – $278,204 |
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 Bellevue
The local job market remains solid, with 26 air traffic controllers currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index at 107.4 indicates that while salaries are lucrative, they must also account for the region's above-average expenses. Bellevue’s highest-paying employers typically include FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities, where controllers can earn more based on their facility level and certificate status. The spread in pay often results from factors like overtime availability, shift differentials, and locality adjustments. Therefore, for aspiring controllers looking to maximize earnings in Bellevue, strategies such as seeking positions in en route centers, obtaining Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, and being open to additional shifts and overtime will be essential in elevating their overall compensation. Understanding the local dynamics and available opportunities is key to making the most of the air traffic controller pay in Bellevue, WA.
More salary data for Bellevue, 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
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 $176,998 for air traffic controllersin the Bellevue 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 Bellevue 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