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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Redmond | National |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRedmond 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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $175,549 | Actual |
| 2020 | $183,972 | Actual |
| 2021 | $185,177 | Actual |
| 2022 | $188,970 | Actual |
| 2023 | $200,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $195,372 | Actual |
| 2025 | $214,667 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $220,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $225,843 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redmond 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.
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.
More salary data for Redmond, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Redmond in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Redmond?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Redmond?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Redmond?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Redmond?
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Nearby Cities in Oregon
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
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).
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