Air Traffic Controller Salary

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.

$227,432
Top 10% Earn
$109.34/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$202,480
75th Percentile
$227,432
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

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

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Edmonds. The median salary is $158,188, compared to the national median of $151,886.$82.6K$121.6K$160.7K$199.7K$238.8K$91.7K10th Pctl$117.4K25th Pctl$158.2KMedian$202.5K75th Pctl$227.4K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

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.

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

Top ATC Salary Comparison

LevelEdmondsNational
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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 years
$91,749 – $158,188

Senior/Lead Air Traffic Controller

5-10 years
$158,188 – $202,480

Air Traffic Controller Department Manager

10+ years
$202,480+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Edmonds 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 (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 Edmonds. Baseline $181,327 in 2025, projected to $233,277 by 2027.$170.3K$189.6K$208.9K$228.2K$247.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$181.3K$190.0K$191.3K$195.2K$206.7K$236.5K$221.7K$227.4K$233.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$181,327Actual
2020$190,027Actual
2021$191,272Actual
2022$195,190Actual
2023$206,698Actual
2024$236,471Actual
2025$221,733Actual
2026(current)$227,432Estimated
2027$233,277Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top-earning air traffic controllers in Edmonds (90th percentile) make $227,432/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is $69,244 more than the area median of $158,188 — 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 Edmonds?

Higher air traffic controller pay in Edmonds 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 Edmonds?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for air traffic controllers in Edmonds include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $158,188, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Edmonds?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Edmonds is $227,432, 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 Edmonds?

In Edmonds, the gap between entry level ($91,749) and top earners ($227,432) is $135,683, 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

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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 $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).

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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