Air Traffic Controller Salary

Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Redmond, OR: $220,184 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Redmond, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $220,184/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Redmond's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $214,604 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$220,184
Top 10% Earn
$105.86/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$199,759
75th Percentile
$220,184
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Senior Salary in Redmond, OR — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Redmond, OR air traffic controller senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Redmond, Oregon, the potential for experienced air traffic controllers to earn top-tier salaries is considerable, with the 2026 projected figures indicating a remarkable P90 threshold of $220,184. Such earnings place controllers at the higher end of the scale when compared to national top earners, highlighting the substantial earning potential available in this locality for seasoned professionals. The median annual salary of $159,500 reflects an experience premium that underscores the value placed on advanced skills and knowledge within the industry. To reach this upper echelon of compensation, controllers must not only gather extensive experience but also acquire specialized certifications and hone their expertise in high-demand areas such as en route and radar operations, which often command the highest compensation levels.

About the Redmond Market

Salary estimated from Oregon average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Redmond

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Redmond. The median salary is $159,500, compared to the national median of $151,886.$83.3K$120.2K$157.2K$194.2K$231.2K$92.5K10th Pctl$118.8K25th Pctl$159.5KMedian$199.8K75th Pctl$220.2K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Redmond earn between $199,759 and $220,184 per year (2026 est.). This $127,674 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Redmond median of $159,500 sits 5.01% above the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of air traffic controller pay in the Redmond metro area.

Top ATC Salary Comparison

LevelRedmondNational
Median (P50)$159,500$151,886
75th Percentile$199,759$195,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$220,184$221,151

In Redmond, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 38.05% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Redmond

1

Advanced Certifications in Oregon

OR air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $159,500 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Redmond employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Redmond command premium compensation, often reaching the $199,759–$220,184 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Redmond metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Redmond with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Air Traffic Controllers in Oregon who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Redmond

Clinical Air Traffic Controller

0-5 years
$92,510 – $159,500

Senior/Lead Air Traffic Controller

5-10 years
$159,500 – $199,759

Air Traffic Controller Department Manager

10+ years
$199,759+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Redmond ranks #23 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $220,184).

Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Redmond ($220,184) is 9.8% below the Oregon average P90 ($244,104).

2019 BLS Actual

$175,549

2025 BLS Actual

$214,667

2026 Current Est.

$220,184

2019–2027 Growth

+28.6%

Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Redmond (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Redmond. Baseline $175,549 in 2025, projected to $225,843 by 2027.$165.5K$183.1K$200.7K$218.3K$235.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$175.5K$184.0K$185.2K$189.0K$200.1K$195.4K$214.7K$220.2K$225.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$175,549Actual
2020$183,972Actual
2021$185,177Actual
2022$188,970Actual
2023$200,111Actual
2024$195,372Actual
2025$214,667Actual
2026(current)$220,184Estimated
2027$225,843Projected

Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Redmond saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $175,549 in 2019 to $214,667 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $225,843 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redmond metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Redmond

Compensation for senior air traffic controllers varies significantly depending on the specialization and employer type within Redmond. In this region, roles that focus on en route/radar operations or terminal radar approach control (TRACON) are at the highest pay tiers, reflecting the complexity and responsibility associated with managing high-altitude and heavy traffic environments. Employment with the FAA’s en route centers or TRACONs typically offers more competitive salaries compared to smaller airport traffic control towers. Furthermore, seasoned controllers who pursue advanced leadership opportunities—such as becoming a Traffic Management Coordinator (TMC) or an ATC instructor at the FAA Academy—can enhance their earning potential. Additional factors influencing pay include development paths like progressing from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC) and beyond. Compensation drivers at this senior level also include locality adjustments, shifts, and overtime opportunities, which are increasingly available due to the industry’s persistent staffing challenges. Ultimately, those in Redmond must remain vigilant in obtaining advanced credentials, exploring diverse opportunities, and navigating the intricacies of the FAA's pay structure to maximize their income potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Redmond in 2026?

Top-earning air traffic controllers in Redmond (90th percentile) make $220,184/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is $60,684 more than the area median of $159,500 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior air traffic controllers typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Redmond?

Higher air traffic controller pay in Redmond is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Redmond?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for air traffic controllers in Redmond include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $159,500, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Redmond?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Redmond is $220,184, well above $100K. Air Traffic Controllers with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Redmond?

In Redmond, the gap between entry level ($92,510) and top earners ($220,184) is $127,674, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Oregon

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

Methodology & Data Source

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $214,667 for air traffic controllers in the Redmond metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Redmond is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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