Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Edmonds, WA: $227,432 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Edmonds, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $227,432/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Edmonds's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $211,762 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For senior air traffic controllers in Edmonds, WA, the earning potential is particularly compelling, with top earners (P90) projected to make $227,432 in 2026. This figure places Edmonds above the national average for the highest compensation in the field, which is estimated at $151,886. The disparity between the median annual salary of $158,188 and the P90 pay indicates a significant experience premium that rewards those who not only survive the demanding nature of air traffic control but excel in their roles. Achieving this top-tier pay level generally necessitates over seven years of experience, in-depth specialization, and a proven track record in managing complex air traffic scenarios, particularly in high-stakes environments.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edmonds
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Edmonds earn between $202,480 and $227,432 per year (2026 est.). This $135,683 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Edmonds median of $158,188 sits 4.15% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Edmonds | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $158,188 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $202,480 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $227,432 | $221,151 |
In Edmonds, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Edmonds
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $158,188 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Edmonds employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Edmonds command premium compensation, often reaching the $202,480–$227,432 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Edmonds 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 Edmonds 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 Edmonds
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedEdmonds ranks #31 of 49 Washington cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $227,432).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Edmonds ($227,432) is 2.4% below the Washington average P90 ($233,033).
2019 BLS Actual
$181,327
2025 BLS Actual
$221,733
2026 Current Est.
$227,432
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $181,327 | Actual |
| 2020 | $190,027 | Actual |
| 2021 | $191,272 | Actual |
| 2022 | $195,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $206,698 | Actual |
| 2024 | $236,471 | Actual |
| 2025 | $221,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $227,432 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $233,277 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Edmonds saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $181,327 in 2019 to $221,733 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 $233,277 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds 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 Edmonds
In Edmonds, specialized roles command higher salaries, notably in positions such as en route and radar controllers, which are critical for managing high-altitude traffic. The compensation landscape varies significantly depending on the type of employer; for instance, FAA en route centers often provide superior pay compared to FAA airport traffic control towers or military facilities. Additionally, a well-defined career path exists for controllers, progressing from developmental roles to certified professional controller (CPC) status and beyond, potentially leading to managerial positions. Advanced credentials can enhance earning potential, with options for specialization in traffic management coordination or instructor roles at the FAA Academy. Other compensatory factors at the senior level include shift differentials for night and holiday work, and locality pay that can further boost earnings. Given the competitive nature of the field and the chronic staffing shortages, those attaining senior air traffic controller pay in Edmonds can expect a rewarding career both financially and professionally.
More salary data for Edmonds, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Edmonds in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Edmonds?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Edmonds?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Edmonds?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Edmonds?
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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
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 $221,733 for air traffic controllers in the Edmonds 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 Edmonds 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