Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mount Vernon, WA: $158,681 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Mount Vernon, WA earns a median $158,681/year (≈ $76.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Mount Vernon's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $147,748 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $158,681 in 2026, air traffic controllers in Mount Vernon, Washington, earn a competitive wage, particularly when compared to the national median of $151,886. Salaries in the region span from $92,035 at the lower end (P10) to $229,101 at the upper end (P90), reflecting the diverse roles and responsibilities this profession entails. These figures are sourced from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, taking into account the local economic landscape that influences pay. The trajectory for air traffic controller compensation in Mount Vernon is set to grow at an annual rate of 2.57%, suggesting a steady demand for skilled professionals in the sector. Given the limited number of controllers currently employed in the area, opportunities may be ripe for those considering a career in this field.
About the Mount Vernon Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,035 | $44.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,338 | $56.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,681 | $76.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $203,111 | $97.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $229,101 | $110.15 |
Median Salary Position
4.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mount Vernon
In Mount Vernon, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,066 (2026 est.). At $158,681, the local median is 4.47% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mount Vernon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mount Vernon Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Mount Vernon median: $158,681/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mount Vernon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,084 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +4.47% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Mount Vernon, WA earn a median of $158,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.47% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.70% below the Washington state average of $163,084.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mount Vernon has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mount Vernon, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,681 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,748 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,492
2025 BLS Actual
$154,705
2026 Current Est.
$158,681
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mount Vernon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,492 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,255 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,555 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,167 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,526 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,069 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,705 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,681 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,759 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mount Vernon metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $128,492 (2019) to $154,705 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,759 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,267 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mount Vernon 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) | $92,035 – $118,338 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,338 – $158,681 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,681 – $203,111 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $203,111 – $229,101 |
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 Mount Vernon
Air traffic controller pay in Mount Vernon, WA, is influenced by various factors, with a current workforce of six controllers indicating a competitive local job market. The cost of living in the city stands at a CoL index of 107.4, which means residents face living expenses above the national average. This factor can affect the actual purchasing power of salaries earned by controllers. Comprehensive pay scales include different facility types, with higher salaries typically found at FAA en route centers compared to terminal radar approach or airport control towers due to their operational demands. The spread between low and high wages can be attributed to various elements, including CPC certification status, shift differentials, and abundant opportunities for overtime – a response to chronic staff shortages in the industry. For those looking to maximize their air traffic controller salary in Mount Vernon, pursuing CPC certification and considering positions at higher-level facilities or in roles with greater overtime potential can lead to enhanced earnings over time.
More salary data for Mount Vernon, 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 $154,705 for air traffic controllersin the Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon 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