Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Washington

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Air Traffic Controllers make in Washington?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$162,570
Median Annual Salary
▼ -0.9% vs 2024
$154,320
Mean Salary
$162,570
Median Salary
$78.16
Hourly Rate
620 people work as Air Traffic Controllers in Washington

Air Traffic Controllers salary by percentile in Washington

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Air Traffic Controllers salary in Washington — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in Washington.10thBottom 10% earn less than $91,600$91,60025th25% earn less than $112,150$112,150MedianHalf earn more than $162,570$162,57075th75% earn less than $191,030$191,03090thTop 10% earn more than $209,270$209,270

Air Traffic Controllers in Washington earn a median salary of $162,570 per year ($13,547/month). This is 21.8% above the national average of $133,445. Washington ranks #7 out of 43 states for Air Traffic Controllers pay. Approximately 620 people work in this occupation across Washington. Salaries decreased by 0.9% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Air Traffic Controllers

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

Top Skills

Active Listening
4.38
Speaking
4.25
Critical Thinking
4.12
Judgment and Decision Making
4.12
Monitoring
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Transportation
4.18
English Language
3.93
Public Safety and Security
3.76
Education and Training
3.75
Customer and Personal Service
3.6
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (36.1% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Air Traffic Controllers in Washington

Salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in Washington range from $91,600 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $209,270 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $112,150 and $191,030.

Median $162,570
P10: $91,600 P25: $112,150 P75: $191,030 P90: $209,270
10th
$91,600
25th
$112,150
Median
$162,570
75th
$191,030
90th
$209,270
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $91,600 $44.04 $7,633
25th Percentile $112,150 $53.92 $9,345
Median (50th) $162,570 $78.16 $13,547
75th Percentile $191,030 $91.84 $15,919
90th Percentile (Experienced) $209,270 $100.61 $17,439

Note: The mean (average) salary of $154,320 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#7
Washington ranks #7 of 43 states
$133,445
National avg. for Air Traffic Controllers
+21.8%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Air Traffic Controllers salary in Washington adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Air Traffic Controllers take-home pay in Washington after taxes →

Explore Air Traffic Controllers Data in Washington

Air Traffic Controllers Salary by State

Compare Air Traffic Controllers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Air Traffic Controllers make in Washington?
The median annual salary for Air Traffic Controllers in Washington is $162,570 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $154,320.
What is the salary range for a Air Traffic Controllers in Washington?
Salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in Washington range from $91,600 at the 10th percentile to $209,270 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $112,150 and $191,030.
What is the starting salary for a Air Traffic Controllers in Washington?
Entry-level Air Traffic Controllers positions in Washington typically start around $91,600 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $112,150 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Air Traffic Controllers in Washington?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 620 people are employed as Air Traffic Controllers in Washington.
What is the hourly rate for a Air Traffic Controllers in Washington?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Air Traffic Controllers in Washington is approximately $78.16 per hour.

💼 Earning $162,570/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn