Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Washington
Air Traffic Controllers in Washington earn a median annual wage of $162,570 —9.8% above the national median of $148,080. That ranks WA #7 of 43 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is 1.20× as concentrated as the national average, making Washington a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for air traffic controllers
All 43 states ranked by median annual wage. Washington is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia | $191,820 | $92.22 | 1,120 | 1.88 |
| 2 | Illinois | $181,560 | $87.29 | 990 | 1.12 |
| 3 | Georgia | $178,420 | $85.78 | 970 | 1.37 |
| 4 | Colorado | $177,380 | $85.28 | 740 | 1.77 |
| 5 | Minnesota | $176,840 | $85.02 | 680 | 1.60 |
| 6 | Texas | $170,080 | $81.77 | 2,060 | 1.01 |
| 7 | Washington | $162,570 | $78.16 | 620 | 1.20 |
| 8 | California | $160,080 | $76.96 | 2,290 | 0.87 |
| 9 | Kansas | $159,700 | $76.78 | 430 | 2.04 |
| 10 | Indiana | $158,810 | $76.35 | 630 | 1.36 |
Related occupations in Washington
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Washington.
| Occupation | Washington median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $46,190 | $40,240 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $44,620 | $37,330 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $64,760 | $58,640 |
| Light Truck Drivers | $49,070 | $44,860 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $49,910 | $46,420 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $74,250 | $62,890 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Washington?
The median annual wage for air traffic controllers in Washington is $162,570, or $78.16 per hour. That is 9.8% above the national median of $148,080.
What is the entry-level air traffic controllers salary in Washington?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $91,600 per year ($44.04/hour). The 25th percentile is $112,150.
How many people work as air traffic controllers in Washington?
About 620 people work in this occupation in Washington, or 0.2 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Washington a good state for air traffic controllers?
Washington ranks #7 of 43 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.20x as concentrated as the national average, making Washington a strong market for this occupation.
Which state pays air traffic controllers the most?
Virginia has the highest median wage at $191,820 per year, followed by Illinois ($181,560) and Georgia ($178,420).