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Average Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Washington

Air Traffic Controllers in Washington State earn a commanding average annual salary of $150,020, significantly outpacing the national average of $85,220. This substantial difference is driven by a combination of factors unique to the state, including a higher cost of living and a concentrated demand for skilled aviation professionals essential for managing the state's busy airspace.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $150,020 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $209,330.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 600 Air Traffic Controllers and a Location Quotient of 1.16, Washington State demonstrates a robust and slightly above-average concentration of these vital professionals. This indicates a stable demand for their services, suggesting a healthy job market for those entering or already established in this critical field within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$150,020

The average Air Traffic Controllers in Washington earns+76.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$72.1

Weekly

$2,885

Monthly

$12,502

Air Traffic Controllers Salary Distribution in Washington

The salary progression for Air Traffic Controllers in Washington State typically sees significant increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start considerably lower, but as controllers gain experience, certifications, and take on more complex responsibilities, their earning potential escalates. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies a clear career ladder and substantial reward for accumulated expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$84,120$40.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$112,515$54.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$164,070$78.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$187,525$90.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$209,330$100.6

Detailed Air Traffic Controllers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$150,020

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$130,339

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

While the nominal average salary of $150,020 in Washington State is impressive, it's crucial to consider the local Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This index, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, means that while the take-home pay is substantial, the purchasing power of that salary is somewhat diminished by the higher expenses associated with living in the state.

Job Market Context

600

Total Jobs

0.169

Per 1K Jobs

1.16

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.16, Washington has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Air Traffic Controllers roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.16 for Air Traffic Controllers in Washington State suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand relative to the general workforce, implying that the field is competitive but also offers good opportunities for qualified individuals, as employers may need to offer competitive compensation to attract talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Air Traffic Controllers

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Air Traffic Controllers Salary$157,810↑ 5%42 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Air Traffic Controllers make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Air Traffic Controllers in Washington is $150,020. This typically ranges from $84,120 for entry-level positions to $209,330 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 76.0% higher than the national median of $85,220.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Air Traffic Controllerss?

Yes, Washington is a highly lucrative state for Air Traffic Controllers.The average salary of $150,020 is significantly higher than the national average, and the state's concentration of these roles indicates strong demand.

Is Washington a good place to live for Air Traffic Controllers?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($157,810) and others.

How does Washington's Air Traffic Controller salary compare nationally?

Air Traffic Controllers in Washington earn an average of $150,020 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $85,220.

What is the concentration of Air Traffic Controllers in Washington?

Washington has a Location Quotient of 1.16 for Air Traffic Controllers, meaning the profession is slightly more concentrated there than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Washington?

With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, the higher salary in Washington is partially offset by increased living expenses compared to the national average.

What is the total number of Air Traffic Controllers in Washington?

There are approximately 600 Air Traffic Controllers employed within Washington State.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.169 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Air Traffic Controllers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington