Air Traffic Controller Salary in Camas, WA: $154,795 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Camas, WA earns a median $154,795/year (≈ $74.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Camas's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $144,129 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $154,795 in 2026, air traffic controllers in Camas, Washington, earn slightly above the national median of $151,886. The salary range spans from $89,781 for entry-level positions to $221,592 for those at the higher end of the pay scale. These figures are derived from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity. This salary structure reflects the unique dynamics of the local market, emphasizing the distinctions within the facility tier system. Controllers specializing in en route positions (Level 12) generally garner higher compensation compared to their terminal (Level 11) and tower (Level 7) counterparts. Such factors contribute to a competitive pay environment in Camas as the air traffic control sector seeks to attract and maintain experienced professionals.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,781 | $43.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,453 | $53.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $154,795 | $74.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $198,137 | $95.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,592 | $106.54 |
Median Salary Position
1.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camas
In Camas, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,811 (2026 est.). At $154,795, the local median is 1.92% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Camas: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Camas Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Camas median: $154,795/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Camas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,113 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +1.92% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Camas, WA earn a median of $154,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.92% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 5.10% below the Washington state average of $163,113.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Camas has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Camas, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $154,795 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $144,129 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,345
2025 BLS Actual
$150,916
2026 Current Est.
$154,795
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,345 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,918 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,235 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,783 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,011 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,026 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,916 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,795 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,773 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Camas metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $125,345 (2019) to $150,916 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $158,773 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,428 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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) | $89,781 – $111,453 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,453 – $154,795 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $154,795 – $198,137 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $198,137 – $221,592 |
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 Camas
In Camas, just four air traffic controllers are currently employed, indicating a niche job market. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, earning potential may be offset slightly by local expenses, impacting overall take-home purchasing power. Employers within the area, such as FAA en route centers and TRACONs, offer generally more lucrative positions than airport control towers, which could appeal to prospective controllers considering their career paths. The variance in pay is influenced by facility levels, certification status, and shift differentials, factors that contribute to the overall compensation package. To maximize earnings, air traffic controllers in Camas should explore opportunities for overtime and specialization within their certifications, while also being aware that the demand for air traffic controllers remains high, driven by chronic staffing shortages and the impending retirement age of 56. Understanding these variables can help controllers strategically navigate their financial prospects in the Camas job market.
More salary data for Camas, 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 $150,916 for air traffic controllersin the Camas 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 Camas 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