Air Traffic Controller Salary in Edmonds, WA: $158,188 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Edmonds, WA earns a median $158,188/year (≈ $76.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Edmonds's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $147,289 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Edmonds, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $158,188, which is notably higher than the national median of $151,886, reflecting a competitive market for this demanding profession. The salary range varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $91,749 and the highest 90% potentially earning up to $227,432. These figures are derived from state-level data adjusted for regional price parity, showcasing the economic dynamics at play in the region. Given the relatively small number of controllers employed in Edmonds, the local job market is tailored to meet the needs of its air traffic controllers, providing an appealing compensation package that takes into consideration the necessity of CPC certification which may take 1-3 years to achieve full pay.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,749 | $44.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,369 | $56.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,188 | $76.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $202,480 | $97.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $227,432 | $109.34 |
Median Salary Position
4.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edmonds
In Edmonds, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,683 (2026 est.). At $158,188, the local median is 4.15% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Edmonds: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Edmonds Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Edmonds median: $158,188/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Edmonds Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,080 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +4.15% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Edmonds, WA earn a median of $158,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.15% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.00% below the Washington state average of $163,080.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Edmonds has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Edmonds, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,188 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,289 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,093
2025 BLS Actual
$154,224
2026 Current Est.
$158,188
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,093 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,831 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,133 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,737 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,555 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,224 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,188 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,253 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Edmonds metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $128,093 (2019) to $154,224 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,253 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,160 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds 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) | $91,749 – $117,369 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,369 – $158,188 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,188 – $202,480 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $202,480 – $227,432 |
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 Edmonds
Looking deeper into the air traffic controller pay in Edmonds, WA, it’s essential to consider the impact of the local cost of living index, which sits at 107.4, indicating that while salaries are competitive, everyday expenses may be slightly higher than the national average. Currently, there are only eight air traffic controllers in the area, which creates a niche market for employers, including FAA en route centers and airport traffic control towers. Compensation structures vary considerably, affected by factors such as facility level, CPC certification status, and shift differentials. Controllers at en route Level 12 facilities typically command higher salaries than their terminal and tower counterparts. Additionally, strategies to maximize pay in this region include pursuing overtime opportunities, especially since chronic understaffing often leads to mandatory extra shifts, thus enhancing overall earnings potential within the industry.
More salary data for Edmonds, 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 $154,224 for air traffic controllersin the Edmonds 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 Edmonds 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