Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kaneohe, HI: $176,329 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Kaneohe, HI earns a median $176,329/year (≈ $84.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Kaneohe's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $147,803 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The 2026 median air traffic controller salary in Kaneohe, Hawaii, reaches an impressive $176,329, which is notably higher than the national median of $151,886. The salary range in this region varies significantly, from $102,270 at the P10 percentile to $244,866 at the P90 percentile. These figures reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjustments for regional cost factors, showcasing the premium for air traffic controller positions in Kaneohe. Understanding the tiered structure of the FAA facility system is crucial, as controllers at en route centers typically earn more than those at terminal or tower facilities. Given the unique operational landscape in this area, which includes both civilian and military air traffic control, it's evident that Kaneohe offers competitive compensation for this essential role.
About the Kaneohe Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,270 | $49.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $126,957 | $61.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $176,329 | $84.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $221,719 | $106.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $244,866 | $117.72 |
Median Salary Position
16.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kaneohe
In Kaneohe, HI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,596 (2026 est.). At $176,329, the local median is 16.09% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kaneohe: You'd be above the median
How Kaneohe Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Kaneohe median: $176,329/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kaneohe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $177,393 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +16.09% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Kaneohe, HI earn a median of $176,329 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.09% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the Hawaii state average of $177,393.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kaneohe has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kaneohe, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $176,329 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,803 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$142,783
2025 BLS Actual
$171,911
2026 Current Est.
$176,329
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kaneohe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,783 | Actual |
| 2020 | $151,409 | Actual |
| 2021 | $150,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $153,533 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,489 | Actual |
| 2024 | $168,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $171,911 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $176,329 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,861 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kaneohe metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $142,783 (2019) to $171,911 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $180,861 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,078 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kaneohe 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $102,270 – $126,957 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $126,957 – $176,329 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $176,329 – $221,719 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $221,719 – $244,866 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Kaneohe
In Kaneohe, the local employment picture features just five air traffic controllers, indicating a tight labor market that can influence wages and job stability. The elevated cost of living in the area, with a cost of living index of 119.3, impacts purchasing power for residents, meaning that salaries must be sufficient to accommodate everyday expenses. Employers that tend to offer higher pay include FAA en route centers, which manage high-altitude traffic, as compared to terminal or tower operations. Factors that drive the salary spread include the facility tier, certification level, and additional pay such as shift differentials and overtime. Controllers looking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Kaneohe should consider seeking out positions at en route facilities, obtaining CPC certification, and utilizing overtime opportunities, particularly in light of the staffing shortages that continue to challenge the FAA.
More salary data for Kaneohe, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $171,911 for air traffic controllersin the Kaneohe metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kaneohe 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