Air Traffic Controller Salary in Everett, WA: $165,764 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Everett, WA earns a median $165,764/year (≈ $79.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Everett's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $154,343 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Everett, Washington, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $165,764, outpacing the national median of $151,886 by a notable 9.14%. The projected salary range spans from $96,143 at the lower end (P10) to $252,341 at the upper end (P90), reflecting the diverse tiers within the air traffic control profession. Local estimates gathered from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors indicate that those working at en route Level 12 facilities typically earn higher compensations compared to their counterparts in terminal and tower facilities. This variation highlights the competitive nature of air traffic controller pay in Everett, and the local employment landscape shows a strong demand for skilled controllers to manage increasing air traffic.
About the Everett Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,143 | $46.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,350 | $57.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,764 | $79.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $212,178 | $102.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $252,341 | $121.32 |
Median Salary Position
9.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Everett
In Everett, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $156,198 (2026 est.). At $165,764, the local median is 9.14% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Everett: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Everett Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Everett median: $165,764/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Everett Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,154 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +9.14% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Everett, WA earn a median of $165,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.14% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.60% above the Washington state average of $163,154.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Everett has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Everett, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $165,764 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $154,343 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,228
2025 BLS Actual
$161,611
2026 Current Est.
$165,764
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Everett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,228 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,337 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,606 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,335 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,933 | Actual |
| 2024 | $172,438 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,611 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,764 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,025 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Everett metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $134,228 (2019) to $161,611 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $170,025 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,797 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Everett 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) | $96,143 – $119,350 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,350 – $165,764 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,764 – $212,178 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $212,178 – $252,341 |
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 Everett
With 20 air traffic controllers employed in the region, Everett's job market offers a blend of opportunities amid a cost-of-living index of 107.4, implying that salaries need to accommodate higher living expenses. Among various employers, the FAA's en route centers tend to provide the most lucrative positions, followed by terminal radar approach control facilities and airport control towers. Factors contributing to salary disparities include the facility level, certification status, shift differentials, and the frequency of mandatory overtime. Controllers seeking maximum pay in Everett should consider opportunities for development into CPC roles, which significantly boost earning potential. Additionally, understanding the implications of locality pay and the dynamics of staffing shortages can further inform strategic career decisions in this robust yet competitive market.
More salary data for Everett, 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 $161,611 for air traffic controllersin the Everett 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 Everett 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