Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lake Stevens, WA: $157,769 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Lake Stevens, WA earns a median $157,769/year (≈ $75.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Lake Stevens's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $146,899 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Lake Stevens, WA, is projected to be $157,769, reflecting a competitive position in relation to the national median of $151,886. With salaries ranging from $91,808 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $216,301 at the upper end (90th percentile), the local pay dynamics are quite favorable for this profession. These figures are estimated from state-level BLS data and adjusted for regional living costs. Given the persistent staffing shortages throughout the FAA facilities, many air traffic controllers in the area find themselves working 50 to 60-hour weeks, greatly enhancing their overall compensation through overtime, which is a significant component of their effectively earned salaries.
About the Lake Stevens Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,808 | $44.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,551 | $56.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,769 | $75.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $196,681 | $94.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $216,301 | $104.00 |
Median Salary Position
3.87% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Stevens
In Lake Stevens, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,493 (2026 est.). At $157,769, the local median is 3.87% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Stevens: You'd be above the median
How Lake Stevens Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Lake Stevens median: $157,769/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Stevens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,153 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +3.87% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Lake Stevens, WA earn a median of $157,769 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.87% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% below the Washington state average of $163,153.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Stevens has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Stevens, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,769 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,899 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,754
2025 BLS Actual
$153,816
2026 Current Est.
$157,769
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,754 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,472 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,776 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,373 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,702 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,121 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,816 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,769 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,824 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Stevens metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $127,754 (2019) to $153,816 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,824 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,070 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens 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) | $91,808 – $116,551 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,551 – $157,769 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,769 – $196,681 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $196,681 – $216,301 |
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 Lake Stevens
Lake Stevens has approximately nine air traffic controllers currently employed, a relatively small but stable workforce, amidst a cost-of-living index of 107.4. This higher-than-average cost of living can impact take-home purchasing power, making salary negotiations and overall earnings vital for financial comfort in the region. Controllers working at en route centers may experience higher pay brackets, predominantly influenced by factors such as facility type, CPC certification status, and shift differentials. The variance in compensation – with higher salaries concentrated among en route ranks versus tower controllers – illustrates the influence of mandatory overtime and the uneven distribution of workload across different facilities. To maximize earning potential in Lake Stevens, aspiring controllers should consider pursuing positions at higher-tier facilities, enhancing their skills for CPC certification, and negotiating for benefits such as overtime, which can dramatically increase overall income.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, 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 $153,816 for air traffic controllersin the Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens 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