Air Traffic Controller Salary in Des Moines, WA: $161,617 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Des Moines, WA earns a median $161,617/year (≈ $77.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $150,481 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in Des Moines, WA, the projected median annual salary in 2026 is $161,617, reflecting the competitive nature of this critical profession. The salary range showcases considerable variation, with the lower 10th percentile earning around $93,738 and the upper realm reaching up to $229,202. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price fluctuations, highlight the robust earning potential for controllers in this area. As Des Moines is home to seven air traffic controllers, prospective candidates can expect a dynamic job market where development opportunities exist, potentially accelerating their journey to full pay within a few years.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,738 | $45.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,365 | $55.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $161,617 | $77.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $206,125 | $99.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $229,202 | $110.19 |
Median Salary Position
6.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,464 (2026 est.). At $161,617, the local median is 6.41% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be above the median
How Des Moines Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $161,617/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,085 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +6.41% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Des Moines, WA earn a median of $161,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.41% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $163,085.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $161,617 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,481 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$130,870
2025 BLS Actual
$157,568
2026 Current Est.
$161,617
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,776 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,064 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,724 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,182 | Actual |
| 2024 | $168,124 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,568 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,617 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,771 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $130,870 (2019) to $157,568 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $165,771 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,901 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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) | $93,738 – $116,365 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,365 – $161,617 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $161,617 – $206,125 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $206,125 – $229,202 |
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 Des Moines
Beyond the impressive figures, the local context is essential for understanding air traffic controller pay in Des Moines. The cost of living index stands at 107.4, suggesting that while salaries are higher than the national average, day-to-day expenses may affect take-home purchasing power. Controllers at various facilities can expect differences in pay driven by their specific roles; for instance, en route centers typically offer higher base salaries compared to terminal and tower facilities. Developmental controllers with a lower pay scale may earn only 65-75% of a fully certified controller's salary; thus, securing CPC certification is a strategic move for maximizing income. Shift differentials and ample overtime resulting from staffing shortages further enhance potential earnings, making it crucial for aspiring controllers to engage actively in additional shifts or specialized roles in the competitive air traffic control market of Des Moines.
More salary data for Des Moines, 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 $157,568 for air traffic controllersin the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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