Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bothell, WA: $157,250 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Bothell, WA earns a median $157,250/year (≈ $75.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Bothell's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $146,415 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bothell, Washington, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $157,250, reflecting a 3.53% increase over the national average of $151,886 in 2026. The local salary range spans from $91,319 at the 10th percentile to $223,887 at the 90th percentile, indicating that there is considerable earning potential depending on experience and facility tier. These salaries are based on projections that incorporate 2025 BLS data along with regional cost adjustments. Notably, controllers working in en route centers, particularly those at the highest tier, typically command higher salaries compared to their counterparts in terminal and tower facilities, a trend that is especially relevant for those starting their careers in this growing market.
About the Bothell Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,319 | $43.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,539 | $55.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,250 | $75.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $195,663 | $94.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $223,887 | $107.64 |
Median Salary Position
3.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bothell
In Bothell, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,568 (2026 est.). At $157,250, the local median is 3.53% above the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Bothell: You'd be above the median
How Bothell Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Bothell median: $157,250/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bothell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,122 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +3.53% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Bothell, WA earn a median of $157,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.53% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.60% below the Washington state average of $163,122.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bothell has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bothell, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,250 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,415 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,334
2025 BLS Actual
$153,310
2026 Current Est.
$157,250
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bothell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,334 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,026 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,333 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,921 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,232 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,581 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,250 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,291 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bothell metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $127,334 (2019) to $153,310 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,291 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,957 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bothell 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) | $91,319 – $115,539 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,539 – $157,250 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,250 – $195,663 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $195,663 – $223,887 |
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 Bothell
With only 13 air traffic controllers currently employed in Bothell, the local job market remains competitive yet offers opportunities for growth within a field facing chronic understaffing challenges. The cost of living index in the area stands at 107.4, indicating that while salaries are generally attractive, purchasing power may be impacted. Employers in Bothell that typically offer the most lucrative positions include en route centers and major terminal facilities. Pay disparities between low and high earners are often influenced by factors such as facility tier, CPC certification status, night and weekend differentials, mandatory overtime, and locality pay variances. To maximize their earning potential, aspiring controllers should focus on obtaining CPC certification and seeking employment at high-traffic en route facilities while being open to a variety of shifts that can significantly enhance overall compensation in this rewarding field.
More salary data for Bothell, 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 $153,310 for air traffic controllersin the Bothell 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 Bothell 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