Air Traffic Controller Salary in Maple Valley, WA: $155,187 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Maple Valley, WA earns a median $155,187/year (≈ $74.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Maple Valley's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $144,494 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller salaries in Maple Valley, Washington, show a promising median annual compensation of $155,187 for 2026, reflecting a 2.17% increase over the national median of $151,886. With salary ranges from $90,008 at the lower end (P10) to $217,024 for more experienced controllers (P90), it’s clear that the pay structure accommodates a wide spectrum of experience and skill levels. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, adjusted for local economic conditions, illustrate strong earning potential in this role. Given the developmental controller pipeline typically spans 1 to 3 years to reach full pay, aspiring air traffic controllers in Maple Valley can anticipate a financial trajectory that rewards commitment and professional development within the FAA's structured pay system.
About the Maple Valley Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,008 | $43.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,735 | $53.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,187 | $74.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $196,412 | $94.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $217,024 | $104.33 |
Median Salary Position
2.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maple Valley
In Maple Valley, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,016 (2026 est.). At $155,187, the local median is 2.17% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Maple Valley: You'd be above the median
How Maple Valley Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Maple Valley median: $155,187/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Maple Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,183 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +2.17% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Maple Valley, WA earn a median of $155,187 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.17% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.90% below the Washington state average of $163,183.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Maple Valley has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Maple Valley, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,187 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $144,494 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,664
2025 BLS Actual
$151,299
2026 Current Est.
$155,187
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Maple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,664 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,255 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,571 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,125 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,366 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,434 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,299 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,187 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,176 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Maple Valley metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $125,664 (2019) to $151,299 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,176 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,512 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maple Valley 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) | $90,008 – $111,735 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,735 – $155,187 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,187 – $196,412 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $196,412 – $217,024 |
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 Maple Valley
Employment levels for air traffic controllers in the Maple Valley area currently stand at six, indicating limited but specialized job opportunities. The local cost of living index of 107.4 suggests that while salaries are above the national average, corresponding housing and expense levels may affect overall purchasing power. Among the potential employers, the FAA's en route centers generally offer the highest pay, with controllers in these facilities reaping the benefits of higher tier positions compared to terminal and tower-level facilities. Factors, such as facility type, CPC certification status, and various pay incentives, contribute to the disparities in compensation. To maximize earnings, controllers in Maple Valley might consider seeking positions at higher-tier facilities or pursuing overtime opportunities, especially given the FAA's ongoing staffing shortages and the potential for significant pay increases due to shift differentials and mandatory overtime.
More salary data for Maple Valley, 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 $151,299 for air traffic controllersin the Maple Valley 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 Maple Valley 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