Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Moses Lake, WA: $224,268 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Moses Lake, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $224,268/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Moses Lake's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $208,816 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
Moses Lake offers notable potential for experienced air traffic controllers, especially those at the senior level aiming for top-tier salaries. In 2026, the projected annual salary for the highest earners in this profession could reach up to $224,268, with the 75th percentile earning around $201,426. This positions Moses Lake's top pay above the national average, which stands at $151,886, highlighting a lucrative opportunity for seasoned professionals. The experience premium is substantial, with a median annual salary of $157,364 that reflects the value placed on expertise acquired through years of diligent service. Achieving this elite compensation requires not only years of experience but also specialized skills and a track record of effectively managing complex air traffic operations within the region.
About the Moses Lake Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moses Lake
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Moses Lake earn between $201,426 and $224,268 per year (2026 est.). This $132,862 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moses Lake median of $157,364 sits 3.61% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Moses Lake | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $157,364 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,426 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $224,268 | $221,151 |
In Moses Lake, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 42.52% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Moses Lake
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $157,364 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moses Lake employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Moses Lake command premium compensation, often reaching the $201,426–$224,268 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoses Lake ranks #33 of 49 Washington cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $224,268).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Moses Lake ($224,268) is 3.76% below the Washington average P90 ($233,033).
2019 BLS Actual
$178,805
2025 BLS Actual
$218,649
2026 Current Est.
$224,268
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Moses Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $178,805 | Actual |
| 2020 | $187,384 | Actual |
| 2021 | $188,612 | Actual |
| 2022 | $192,475 | Actual |
| 2023 | $203,823 | Actual |
| 2024 | $233,183 | Actual |
| 2025 | $218,649 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $224,268 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $230,032 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Moses Lake saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $178,805 in 2019 to $218,649 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 $230,032 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake
Specializations within air traffic control can significantly impact salary levels in Moses Lake. Controllers focusing on en route and radar services, which are paramount for managing high-altitude flights, command some of the highest compensations. Terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and visual flight rules airport tower operators also enjoy competitive pay. The range of senior positions, from traffic management coordinators to instructors at the FAA Academy, reflects the extended career paths available. Compensation varies greatly based on employment type; working within FAA en route centers offers different pay scales compared to military ATC or FAA contract towers. Controllers typically advance through a defined hierarchy, starting from developmental controllers to positions such as operations supervisors and ATC managers, making strategic career choices essential. Attaining advanced credentials and gaining experience alongside leadership skills can also enhance earning potential in this evolving field, capitalizing on the current staffing shortages and increased reliance on overtime options.
More salary data for Moses Lake, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Moses Lake in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Moses Lake?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Moses Lake?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Moses Lake?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Moses Lake?
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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 $218,649 for air traffic controllers in the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake 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