Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kailua, HI: $102,023 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Kailua, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $102,023 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kailua's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,518 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($175,902) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting air traffic controller salary in Kailua for 2026 is projected at $102,023, significantly below the city’s median of $175,902. NEW graduates entering this profession should enter with realistic expectations, aware that they will incrementally progress through salary brackets, eventually reaching the 25th percentile at $126,649 within a few years. This growth trajectory highlights the potential for entry-level professionals to solidify their roles and secure a more competitive pay rate as they gain experience. Given the 2.57% expected growth rate and the competitive nature of aircraft operations in Kailua, this region presents promising opportunities for newly qualified air traffic controllers, especially for those motivated to advance quickly through their early careers.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kailua
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kailua
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Kailua, HI typically start between $102,023 and $126,649 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $147,083 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $175,902 — 15.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Hawaii of $45,000 represents just 44.11% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($102,023/year) in Kailua. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Kailua
- 1Research the Kailua market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $102,023 to $126,649, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kailua, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Kailua for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Kailua's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Kailua is $147,083 ( 144.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $102,023, experienced hygienists can earn up to $249,106.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$86,669
2025 BLS Actual
$99,467
2026 Current Est.
$102,023
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,669 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,288 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,172 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,341 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,638 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,401 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,467 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,023 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,645 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Kailua, HI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $86,669 in 2019 to $99,467 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $104,645. New graduates entering the Kailua job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Kailua
In Kailua, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary employer of entry-level air traffic controllers. New graduates may enter the field through various routes, such as the FAA's Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships with select universities or via public hiring announcements aimed at applicants under 31 years of age, except for military veterans. Aspiring controllers must meet specific credentials including U.S. citizenship, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, generally lasting 3-5 months, followed by site-specific training. Though starting air traffic controller pay in Hawaii is competitive, those willing to enhance their credentials through ongoing education may improve their earning potential. Given the industry’s sustained overtime opportunities due to chronic understaffing, particularly in sought-after facilities, the realistic salary growth during the first few years can lead to substantial earnings as controllers ascend the ranks and approach full certification as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC).
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Kailua in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Kailua?
Is aviation school worth it in Kailua?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Kailua?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Hawaii?
Related Pages
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Kailua. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kailua 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