Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lakewood, WA: $161,177 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Lakewood, WA earns a median $161,177/year (≈ $77.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $150,072 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As of 2026, air traffic controllers in Lakewood, Washington, are projected to earn a median salary of $161,177, which signifies a competitive edge over the national median salary of $151,886. The salary range for this position in Lakewood falls between $93,483 at the 10th percentile and $238,355 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a substantial earning potential depending on factors such as experience, certification status, and specific job responsibilities within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Current estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments indicate that controllers who achieve CPC (Certified Professional Controller) certification can expect to advance their earnings significantly within one to three years, underscoring the lucrative career path available in Lakewood’s job market.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,483 | $44.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,455 | $56.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $161,177 | $77.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $206,307 | $99.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $238,355 | $114.59 |
Median Salary Position
6.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $144,872 (2026 est.). At $161,177, the local median is 6.12% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $161,177/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,135 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +6.12% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Lakewood, WA earn a median of $161,177 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.12% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $163,135.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $161,177 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,072 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$130,514
2025 BLS Actual
$157,139
2026 Current Est.
$161,177
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,514 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,399 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,688 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,341 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,784 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,666 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,139 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,177 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,320 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $130,514 (2019) to $157,139 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $165,320 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,806 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $93,483 – $117,455 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,455 – $161,177 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $161,177 – $206,307 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $206,307 – $238,355 |
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 Lakewood
In assessing the local economic landscape, there are approximately 14 air traffic controllers employed in the Lakewood area. The cost of living index stands at 107.4, suggesting that while the salaries may appear generous, the purchasing power might be slightly less than stellar compared to other regions. Typically, the highest-paying roles are found within FAA en route centers and terminal control facilities, which require controllers to manage complex airspaces effectively. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include the type of facility—en route controllers at level 12 generally earn more than their terminal and tower counterparts—and the benefits of CPC certification. Moreover, premium shifts, abundant overtime, and locality pay can further enhance take-home earnings, making strategic career moves such as opting for positions with high traffic volumes or utilizing overtime opportunities key to maximizing air traffic controller pay in Lakewood, WA.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $157,139 for air traffic controllersin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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