Air Traffic Controller Salary in Seattle, WA: $179,785 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Seattle, WA earns a median $179,785/year (≈ $86.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Seattle's price level (11% above national, BEA RPP 111.1), that paycheck buys what $161,775 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.2% above the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Seattle, the role of an air traffic controller commands a significant median annual salary of $179,785, representing a notable 18.37% increase compared to the national median. The pay range for these positions spans from $99,124 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $221,387 at the 90th percentile, indicative of varying responsibilities and facility types. This data reflects the outcomes of official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys and serves as a critical benchmark for aspiring controllers in Washington state. The local dynamics underline the importance of facility tiers, with en route Level 12 positions generally offering higher compensation than terminal Level 11 and tower Level 7 roles, influencing how much air traffic controllers can expect to earn in Seattle’s thriving aviation market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,124 | $47.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $128,561 | $61.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $179,785 | $86.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $205,940 | $99.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,387 | $106.44 |
Median Salary Position
18.37% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Seattle
In Seattle, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,263 (2026 est.). At $179,785, the local median is 18.37% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Seattle: You'd be above the median
How Seattle Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Seattle median: $179,785/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Seattle Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,144 | +10.20% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +18.37% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Seattle, WA earn a median of $179,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.37% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 10.20% above the Washington state average of $163,144.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Seattle has a cost of living 11.13% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Seattle, WA has a cost-of-living index of 111.133 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $179,785 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $161,775 — a 10.02% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$145,581
2025 BLS Actual
$175,280
2026 Current Est.
$179,785
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $145,581 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,780 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $162,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $175,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $179,785 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $184,405 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Seattle metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $145,581 (2019) to $175,280 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $184,405 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,824 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Seattle 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) | $99,124 – $128,561 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $128,561 – $179,785 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $179,785 – $205,940 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $205,940 – $221,387 |
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 Seattle
With 510 air traffic controllers employed in the Seattle area, the local job market offers strong opportunities amid a rising cost of living, reflected in a Cost of Living index of 111.133. This means that while salaries may appear competitive, the cost of housing and other essentials can impact take-home purchasing power. Among the highest-paying employers include FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities, which typically provide better compensation strategies compared to smaller tower bases. The salary variation in Seattle stems primarily from the facility level and compensation factors such as shift differentials and overtime, critical in alleviating chronic understaffing. To maximize earnings in this specific market, controllers should strategically pursue CPC certification, leverage overtime opportunities, and be open to positions that offer locality pay, given the competitive and demanding nature of air traffic control in this region.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Seattle?
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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 $175,280 for air traffic controllersin the Seattle 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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