Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Camas, WA: $221,592 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Camas, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $221,592/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Camas's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $206,324 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Camas, Washington, experienced air traffic controllers are positioned to command substantial salaries, particularly at the senior level. The projected median annual compensation for 2026 is $154,795, but the earnings for top earners (P90) could reach $221,592, which is competitive in the broader national context. This stark disparity between the median and the peak salary illustrates the significant experience premium associated with senior roles in this field. Achieving such top-tier pay requires extensive experience and often specialty certifications, which enhance not only skills but also appeal to employers seeking advanced operational capabilities.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camas
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Camas earn between $198,137 and $221,592 per year (2026 est.). This $131,811 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Camas median of $154,795 sits 1.92% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Camas | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $154,795 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $198,137 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $221,592 | $221,151 |
In Camas, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.15% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Camas
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $154,795 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Camas employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Camas command premium compensation, often reaching the $198,137–$221,592 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Camas 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 Camas 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 Washington 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 Camas
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCamas ranks #35 of 49 Washington cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $221,592).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Camas ($221,592) is 4.91% below the Washington average P90 ($233,033).
2019 BLS Actual
$176,672
2025 BLS Actual
$216,040
2026 Current Est.
$221,592
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $176,672 | Actual |
| 2020 | $185,149 | Actual |
| 2021 | $186,361 | Actual |
| 2022 | $190,179 | Actual |
| 2023 | $201,391 | Actual |
| 2024 | $230,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $216,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $221,592 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $227,287 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Camas saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $176,672 in 2019 to $216,040 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 $227,287 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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 Camas
Specialization can greatly influence senior air traffic controller pay in Camas. Controllers with expertise in en route or radar operations tend to secure the highest compensation, especially when employed in FAA en route centers managing high-altitude traffic. Other specialized roles, such as terminal radar controllers and traffic management coordinators, can also yield premiums over standard pay. Pay levels differ substantially depending on facility types, with FAA en route centers typically offering higher salaries than terminal radar approach control facilities or tower operations. Advancement pathways in this career include progression from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC), ultimately aiming for supervisory or managerial roles. It is crucial for aspiring candidates to possess advanced credentials, including passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and completing Initial Qualification Training. Additionally, working conditions, staffing shortages, and the demand for overtime can further enhance overall compensation for senior controllers, making it an attractive profession within the growing aviation job market in Camas, WA.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Camas in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Camas?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Camas?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Camas?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Camas?
Related Pages
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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
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 $216,040 for air traffic controllers in the Camas 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 Camas 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