Air Traffic Controller Salary in Vancouver, WA: $165,818 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Vancouver, WA earns a median $165,818/year (≈ $79.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Vancouver's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $154,393 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for air traffic controllers in Vancouver, Washington, is projected to reflect both the local demand and the realities of the profession. At a median annual salary of $165,818, these professionals earn significantly more than the national average of $151,886, benefiting from a growing market that values the expertise of skilled controllers. Salaries vary considerably, ranging from $96,175 at the lower end to $252,963 at the upper echelon. Such figures arise from estimates projected based on 2025 BLS data, taking into account local cost adjustments, which position Vancouver above the national average with a cost of living index of 107.4. The local air traffic controller salary in Vancouver therefore reflects the economic dynamics and staffing challenges faced across the industry, particularly given the ongoing staffing shortages that often require controllers to work extensive overtime.
About the Vancouver Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,175 | $46.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,388 | $57.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,818 | $79.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $212,247 | $102.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $252,963 | $121.62 |
Median Salary Position
9.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vancouver
In Vancouver, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $156,788 (2026 est.). At $165,818, the local median is 9.17% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vancouver: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Vancouver Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Vancouver median: $165,818/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vancouver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,046 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +9.17% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Vancouver, WA earn a median of $165,818 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.17% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.70% above the Washington state average of $163,046.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vancouver has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Vancouver, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $165,818 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $154,393 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,272
2025 BLS Actual
$161,663
2026 Current Est.
$165,818
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Vancouver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,272 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,383 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,652 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,982 | Actual |
| 2024 | $172,493 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,663 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,818 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,079 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vancouver metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $134,272 (2019) to $161,663 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $170,079 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,807 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vancouver 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) | $96,175 – $119,388 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,388 – $165,818 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,818 – $212,247 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $212,247 – $252,963 |
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 Vancouver
The job market in Vancouver currently hosts 37 air traffic controllers, highlighting a concentrated workforce operating under the demands of federal aviation regulations. This relatively small number is indicative of both opportunities and challenges in the region as controllers navigate the effects of a heightened cost of living on their earnings. Higher pay in the area typically stems from roles within FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach controls, offering more competitive salaries compared to tower positions. Factors influencing pay include certification status, shift differentials, and the variability of mandatory overtime due to staffing shortages. To maximize air traffic controller pay in Vancouver, professionals can seek roles in en route facilities where compensation is typically higher, pursue CPC certification, and be proactive in taking on overtime shifts, while remaining aware of how these aspects interact with local living costs and the overall economic landscape of air traffic control in the region.
More salary data for Vancouver, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Vancouver, WA in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Vancouver?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Vancouver?
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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 $161,663 for air traffic controllersin the Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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