Air Traffic Controller Salary in SeaTac, WA: $159,845 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in SeaTac, WA earns a median $159,845/year (≈ $76.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in SeaTac's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $148,831 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in SeaTac, WA, command an impressive median annual salary of $159,845 as of 2026, a figure that places them above the national average by 5.24%. With salaries ranging from $92,710 at the 10th percentile to as much as $233,064 at the 90th percentile, compensation can significantly vary based on facility type and staffing needs. The local estimates, informed by 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price differentials, reflect the economic landscape of a city where controllers often work extended hours due to chronic understaffing. This overtime work can substantially enhance earnings, underscoring the high demand for skilled air traffic professionals in the area.
About the SeaTac Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,710 | $44.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,089 | $55.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $159,845 | $76.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $198,302 | $95.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $233,064 | $112.05 |
Median Salary Position
5.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in SeaTac
In SeaTac, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $140,354 (2026 est.). At $159,845, the local median is 5.24% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in SeaTac: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How SeaTac Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
SeaTac median: $159,845/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | SeaTac Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,107 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +5.24% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in SeaTac, WA earn a median of $159,845 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.24% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.00% below the Washington state average of $163,107.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
SeaTac has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
SeaTac, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $159,845 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,831 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,435
2025 BLS Actual
$155,840
2026 Current Est.
$159,845
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in SeaTac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,435 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,255 | Actual |
| 2021 | $136,549 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,579 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $155,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,845 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,953 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the SeaTac metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $129,435 (2019) to $155,840 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,953 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,518 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the SeaTac 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) | $92,710 – $115,089 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,089 – $159,845 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $159,845 – $198,302 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $198,302 – $233,064 |
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 SeaTac
The job market in SeaTac consists of a small but concentrated group of six air traffic controllers, a number that reflects the competitive nature of this field, especially in a metropolitan area with a high cost-of-living index of 107.4. This index suggests that while salaries are strong, purchasing power may be impacted, warranting further consideration for prospective controllers. Among various facility types, those working in FAA en route centers typically see the highest pay, followed by terminal radar approach controls and airport traffic control towers. Differences in pay stem from factors such as facility level, applicable certifications, and generous shift differentials. Controllers seeking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in SeaTac, WA, might focus on obtaining CPC status, capitalizing on overtime opportunities, and staying informed on locality pay adjustments that vary greatly by region.
More salary data for SeaTac, 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 $155,840 for air traffic controllersin the SeaTac 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 SeaTac 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