Air Traffic Controller Salary in Federal Way, WA: $161,652 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Federal Way, WA earns a median $161,652/year (≈ $77.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Federal Way's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $150,514 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Federal Way will reach a median annual figure of $161,652, reflecting a competitive edge over the national average of $151,886. This salary range spans from $93,758 at the P10 level to an impressive $238,272 at the P90 level, demonstrating the potential for significant earnings as controllers progress in their careers. Compensation data is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS estimates, adjusted for regional price parity, making these figures relevant to the unique economic landscape of Federal Way, WA. Given the promising salary outlook, individuals pursuing a career in air traffic control here can expect a solid return on their investment, particularly in light of the certification timeline that typically requires 1-3 years to attain full pay as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC).
About the Federal Way Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,758 | $45.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,389 | $55.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $161,652 | $77.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $206,915 | $99.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $238,272 | $114.55 |
Median Salary Position
6.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Federal Way
In Federal Way, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $144,514 (2026 est.). At $161,652, the local median is 6.43% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Federal Way: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Federal Way Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Federal Way median: $161,652/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Federal Way Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,120 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +6.43% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Federal Way, WA earn a median of $161,652 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.43% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $163,120.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Federal Way has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Federal Way, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $161,652 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,514 — a 6.89% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$130,899
2025 BLS Actual
$157,602
2026 Current Est.
$161,652
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,899 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,806 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,093 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,754 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,214 | Actual |
| 2024 | $168,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,602 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,652 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,807 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Federal Way metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $130,899 (2019) to $157,602 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $165,807 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,908 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Federal Way 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) | $93,758 – $116,389 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,389 – $161,652 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $161,652 – $206,915 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $206,915 – $238,272 |
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 Federal Way
With only 22 air traffic controllers employed in Federal Way, job competition remains moderate, impacting the overall dynamics of air traffic controller pay in Federal Way, WA. The cost-of-living index of 107.4 suggests that while salaries may be higher than many areas, rising living expenses require careful consideration for take-home earnings. Federal Way benefits from a range of employers, including FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control, with potential shift differentials and overtime further influencing pay. Higher pay often aligns with facility types, with en route positions yielding superior compensation compared to lower-tier facilities. Aspiring controllers should consider pursuing CPC status quickly and be open to working various shifts, including nights and weekends, to maximize earning potential in the context of chronic staffing shortages and mandatory retirement at age 56.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Federal Way, WA in 2026?
Is Federal Way, WA a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Federal Way?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Federal Way?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Federal Way?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $157,602 for air traffic controllersin the Federal Way 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 Federal Way 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