Air Traffic Controller Salary in Walla Walla, WA: $154,846 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Walla Walla, WA earns a median $154,846/year (≈ $74.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Walla Walla's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $144,177 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Walla Walla, Washington, reaches a median of $154,846, positioning it slightly above the national average. With a salary range from $89,810 at the lower end to a high of $215,898, this compensation reflects the diverse responsibilities and the varying tiers of air traffic control facilities—namely en route, terminal, and tower. Estimated figures derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments illustrate that being an air traffic controller in Walla Walla offers competitive salaries, especially for those positioned in higher-level en route facilities. Given the limited number of controllers employed in the area, Walla Walla's job market is both niche and promising for potential candidates.
About the Walla Walla Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,810 | $43.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,489 | $53.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $154,846 | $74.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $195,702 | $94.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $215,898 | $103.80 |
Median Salary Position
1.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Walla Walla
In Walla Walla, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $126,088 (2026 est.). At $154,846, the local median is 1.95% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Walla Walla: You'd be above the median
How Walla Walla Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Walla Walla median: $154,846/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Walla Walla Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,167 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +1.95% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Walla Walla, WA earn a median of $154,846 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.95% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 5.10% below the Washington state average of $163,167.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Walla Walla has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Walla Walla, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $154,846 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $144,177 — a 6.89% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$125,387
2025 BLS Actual
$150,966
2026 Current Est.
$154,846
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Walla Walla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,387 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,962 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,279 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,827 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,057 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,079 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,966 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,846 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,825 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Walla Walla metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $125,387 (2019) to $150,966 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $158,825 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,438 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Walla Walla 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) | $89,810 – $111,489 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,489 – $154,846 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $154,846 – $195,702 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $195,702 – $215,898 |
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 Walla Walla
As of 2026, Walla Walla employs just six air traffic controllers, highlighting the local market's concentrated workforce. With a cost-of-living index at 107.4, residents face higher-than-average living expenses, which impacts their take-home purchasing power. Employment opportunities in Walla Walla primarily stem from FAA-related facilities; controllers seeking the highest pay should focus on en route centers, which typically offer the best compensation packages. Factors driving the salary spread include the facility tier level, Certification Pay (CPC) status, shift differentials, and abundant overtime opportunities due to chronic understaffing. Being aware of these elements is crucial for maximizing earnings in this unique market. Additionally, networking and embracing advanced training could further enhance pay potential for air traffic controllers in this region.
More salary data for Walla Walla, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Walla Walla, WA in 2026?
Is Walla Walla, WA a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Walla Walla?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Walla Walla?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Walla Walla?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $150,966 for air traffic controllersin the Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla 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