Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bellingham, WA: $162,986 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Bellingham, WA earns a median $162,986/year (≈ $78.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Bellingham's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $151,756 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bellingham, Washington, the 2026 median annual salary for air traffic controllers is projected at $162,986, reflecting a competitive rate compared to the national median of $151,886. Compensation for air traffic controllers varies significantly, with salaries ranging from $94,532 at the 10th percentile to as much as $244,681 at the 90th percentile. These figures are informed by local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price measures. Controllers working at en route facilities, which handle a greater volume of high-altitude air traffic, generally command higher salaries compared to their counterparts in terminal or tower facilities. This median salary places Bellingham in a favorable position within the broader context of air traffic controller pay in Washington and nationwide, making it an attractive location for professionals in the field.
About the Bellingham Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,532 | $45.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,349 | $56.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $162,986 | $78.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $208,622 | $100.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $244,681 | $117.64 |
Median Salary Position
7.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellingham
In Bellingham, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $150,149 (2026 est.). At $162,986, the local median is 7.31% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bellingham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bellingham Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Bellingham median: $162,986/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bellingham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,149 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +7.31% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Bellingham, WA earn a median of $162,986 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.31% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.10% below the Washington state average of $163,149.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bellingham has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bellingham, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $162,986 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,756 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$131,978
2025 BLS Actual
$158,902
2026 Current Est.
$162,986
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,978 | Actual |
| 2020 | $139,951 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,232 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,915 | Actual |
| 2023 | $147,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,547 | Actual |
| 2025 | $158,902 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $162,986 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $167,175 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bellingham metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $131,978 (2019) to $158,902 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $167,175 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,197 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellingham 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) | $94,532 – $117,349 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,349 – $162,986 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $162,986 – $208,622 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $208,622 – $244,681 |
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 Bellingham
Looking at the local job market, there are currently 13 air traffic controllers employed in the Bellingham area, a modest number that may suggest competitive hiring conditions. The cost of living index stands at 107.4, indicating that Bellingham is slightly above the national average in terms of living expenses. This reality affects the actual purchasing power of an air traffic controller's salary, which could skew living standards despite attractive base compensation. Generally, the highest pay in the area comes from FAA en route centers, where controllers typically enjoy the benefits of locality pay and shift differentials, enhancing their overall compensation packages. The disparity in salaries often stems from facility levels and the certification status of controllers, with those at higher tiers or with the Certified Professional Controller (CPC) designation receiving significantly more. For those looking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Bellingham, developing strong connections with regional employers and considering various facility types, combined with the potential for overtime opportunities due to ongoing staffing shortages, can prove advantageous.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Bellingham?
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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 $158,902 for air traffic controllersin the Bellingham 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 Bellingham 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