verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Washington

Median Annual in Washington
$162,570/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$78.16/hr
▲ 10% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Washington

groups Employed in WA
620
public U.S. Median
$148,080
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$151,916 #12 of 43

Air Traffic Controller pay in Washington, explained

Air traffic controllers in Washington earn a median of $162,570 per year ($78.16 per hour), which is 10% above the national median of $148,080. Entry-level workers earn around $91,600, while the most experienced air traffic controllers reach about $209,270. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Washington.

Is $162,570 good pay in Washington?

Adjusted for Washington's cost of living (which runs 107% of the U.S. average), that $162,570 is worth about $151,916 in national buying power — ranking Washington #12 for real pay (vs #7 on the sticker number).

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Air Traffic Controller pay by experience in Washington

Entry level (10th pct)
$91,600
$44.04/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$162,570
$78.16/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$209,270
$100.61/hr

Air Traffic Controller in Washington: FAQ

How much do air traffic controllers make in Washington?

Air traffic controllers in Washington earn a median of $162,570 per year ($78.16 per hour), compared with $148,080 nationally.

Does Washington pay air traffic controllers well?

At $162,570, Washington pays 10% above the national median for air traffic controllers. An estimated 620 work in the state.

Air Traffic Controller salary in other states

All 43 states ranked arrow_forward

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