Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Kennewick, WA: $77.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Kennewick, WA runs $77.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $161,836 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Kennewick's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,106 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kennewick, Washington, the 2026 median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is projected to be $77.81, which is a notable step above the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This means that air traffic controllers in Kennewick can expect a substantial paycheck, even more so when considering positions that may offer part-time hours or per-diem work arrangements. Part-time controllers working three days a week might take home an impressive income while enjoying a balanced lifestyle, as their wages calculated at this hourly rate allow for flexibility typical of the job's various operational settings, including busy airport traffic control towers and radar facilities. For those at the start of their careers or reaching the upper echelons, hourly earnings can range from $45.13 at the lower end to $115.70 at the high end, underscoring the potential for both growth and stability in this field.
About the Kennewick Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.13 | $361.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.08 | $456.64 |
| Median (P50) | $77.81 | $622.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98.96 | $791.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.70 | $925.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kennewick
Based on $77.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.81/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kennewick, WA can expect to earn approximately $161,844 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,372. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kennewick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kennewick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,112.38 | $13,487 | $161,844 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,867.43 | $8,092 | $97,106 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,244.95 | $5,395 | $64,738 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Kennewick) | $77.81 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Kennewick, WA earn a median of $161,836 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.55% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the Washington state average of $163,141.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.81/hr = $97,106/year (purchasing power: $90,416).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $161,844/year (purchasing power: $150,693).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kennewick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Kennewick grew 20.4% from $63.01/hr (2019) to $75.86/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.81/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennewick 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Kennewick
For part-time air traffic controllers working approximately 24 hours a week, the earning potential can amount to significant annual compensation, though still less than full-time counterparts. With full-time positions often leveraging overtime — paid at 1.5 times the base rate — many controllers are maximizing their earnings to the tune of $50,000 to $100,000 in additional income, thanks to the chronic understaffing that has characterized the FAA in recent years. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Kennewick can also be attractive, especially during training periods at various flight facilities, where negotiation can lead to better terms. Hourly rates might significantly differ depending on the type of employer, whether it be FAA en route centers or smaller facilities contracted out for service. Many choose roles that offer more in benefits over higher pay—balancing health insurance needs against take-home pay. When negotiating hourly wages, local controllers should emphasize their skills and experience, understanding the current value of their role within the framework of Kennewick’s air traffic management landscape.
More salary data for Kennewick, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Kennewick in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Kennewick. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kennewick 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