Air Traffic Controller Salary in Spokane, WA: $165,404 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Spokane, WA earns a median $165,404/year (≈ $79.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Spokane's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $154,007 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Spokane, the air traffic controller salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $165,404 by 2026, reflecting a competitive position in the national landscape where the median is $151,886. The salary range in the region spans from $95,935 at the 10th percentile to a substantial $256,377 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost contexts, suggest that controllers may effectively increase their earnings through significant overtime, often working 50-60 hour weeks due to staffing shortages. Such circumstances have undoubtedly created a more lucrative opportunity for air traffic controllers in Spokane, highlighting the area's unique job market dynamics that can drive up compensation.
About the Spokane Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,935 | $46.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,091 | $57.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,404 | $79.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $211,718 | $101.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $256,377 | $123.26 |
Median Salary Position
8.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spokane
In Spokane, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $160,442 (2026 est.). At $165,404, the local median is 8.9% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Spokane: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Spokane Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Spokane median: $165,404/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Spokane Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,121 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +8.90% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Spokane, WA earn a median of $165,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.90% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% above the Washington state average of $163,121.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Spokane has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Spokane, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $165,404 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $154,007 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$133,937
2025 BLS Actual
$161,260
2026 Current Est.
$165,404
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Spokane (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,937 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,028 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,299 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,021 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,608 | Actual |
| 2024 | $172,063 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,404 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,655 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Spokane metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $133,937 (2019) to $161,260 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $169,655 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,718 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spokane 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) | $95,935 – $119,091 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,091 – $165,404 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,404 – $211,718 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $211,718 – $256,377 |
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 Spokane
The local air traffic control field employs 56 individuals, pointing to a concentrated job market that supports competitive pay. Spokane's cost-of-living index of 107.4 indicates that controllers may find their take-home purchasing power affected compared to national averages. Within the region, the FAA en route centers, as well as terminal radar approach control facilities, typically offer the highest compensation among employers. The pay discrepancy among positions often correlates with the facility level—en route facilities (Level 12) command higher salaries than terminal (Level 11) and airport towers (Level 7). Controllers can maximize their earnings in Spokane by seeking roles with higher certifications, taking advantage of shift differentials (10% for night shifts and up to 100% on holidays), and embracing overtime opportunities given the personnel shortages. The ongoing demand for qualified air traffic controllers ensures that those navigating this rewarding career path can strategically position themselves for optimal financial outcomes.
More salary data for Spokane, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $161,260 for air traffic controllersin the Spokane 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 Spokane 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