Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wenatchee, WA: $154,668 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Wenatchee, WA earns a median $154,668/year (≈ $74.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Wenatchee's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $144,011 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wenatchee, Washington, the projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers in 2026 is $154,668, which slightly exceeds the national median by 1.83%. This compensation reflects a broad salary range, with entry-level positions at about $89,708 and experienced controllers earning up to $215,314 annually. These figures, sourced from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price differences, indicate a significant local employment market for air traffic controllers. Wenatchee's job opportunities are promising, particularly for those who navigate the facility types based on experience and certification, impacting compensation based on the tier system of en route versus terminal and tower roles.
About the Wenatchee Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,708 | $43.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,361 | $53.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $154,668 | $74.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $197,975 | $95.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $215,314 | $103.51 |
Median Salary Position
1.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wenatchee
In Wenatchee, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,606 (2026 est.). At $154,668, the local median is 1.83% above the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Wenatchee: You'd be above the median
How Wenatchee Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Wenatchee median: $154,668/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wenatchee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,152 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +1.83% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Wenatchee, WA earn a median of $154,668 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.83% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% below the Washington state average of $163,152.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wenatchee has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wenatchee, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $154,668 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $144,011 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,243
2025 BLS Actual
$150,793
2026 Current Est.
$154,668
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wenatchee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,243 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,809 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,127 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,673 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,897 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,894 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,793 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,668 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,643 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wenatchee metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $125,243 (2019) to $150,793 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $158,643 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,400 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wenatchee 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) | $89,708 – $111,361 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,361 – $154,668 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $154,668 – $197,975 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $197,975 – $215,314 |
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 Wenatchee
With only eight air traffic controllers currently employed in Wenatchee, competition for high-paying positions remains manageable, allowing controllers to negotiate their salaries effectively. However, the cost of living index of 107.4 suggests that higher salaries may be necessary for controllers to maintain a comparable standard of living. Employers in the area include both FAA facilities and military operations, which often provide more lucrative pay opportunities compared to smaller contractors. The variance in salaries within the market is driven by several factors, including facility level, CPC certification, shift differentials, and the potential for abundant overtime, particularly in a system still facing staffing shortages post-2013. To maximize compensation, controllers are encouraged to seek out en route center roles or acquire certifications that elevate their pay, alongside being open to working shifts that come with additional premiums.
More salary data for Wenatchee, 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 $150,793 for air traffic controllersin the Wenatchee 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 Wenatchee 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