Air Traffic Controller Salary in Waipahu, HI: $173,879 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Waipahu, HI earns a median $173,879/year (≈ $83.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Waipahu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $145,749 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waipahu, Hawaii, the projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers in 2026 is $173,879, which is approximately 14.48% higher than the national median of $151,886. The salary range for these professionals extends from $100,850 at the 10th percentile to $253,526 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and facility responsibility. These figures serve as estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional economic adjustments, illustrating how even in a small employment pool of just nine controllers, the potential for high earnings exists. The ongoing trend of long work hours—often spanning 50-60 weeks due to understaffing—enhances effective compensation, making the job not only competitive but also a compelling opportunity.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,850 | $48.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,193 | $60.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $173,879 | $83.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $215,712 | $103.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $253,526 | $121.88 |
Median Salary Position
14.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waipahu
In Waipahu, HI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $152,676 (2026 est.). At $173,879, the local median is 14.48% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waipahu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waipahu Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Waipahu median: $173,879/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waipahu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $177,427 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +14.48% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Waipahu, HI earn a median of $173,879 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.48% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $177,427.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waipahu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waipahu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $173,879 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $145,749 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$140,799
2025 BLS Actual
$169,522
2026 Current Est.
$173,879
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,799 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,305 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,538 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $157,273 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,522 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,879 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,347 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waipahu metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $140,799 (2019) to $169,522 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $178,347 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,548 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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) | $100,850 – $125,193 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,193 – $173,879 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $173,879 – $215,712 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $215,712 – $253,526 |
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 Waipahu
Analyzing the local job market reveals that while the cost-of-living index in Waipahu sits at 119.3, indicating that living expenses are above the national average, this does not drastically diminish the purchasing power of air traffic controller salaries. Among the employers in the area, FAA en route centers tend to pay the highest on the pay scale. Factors driving the salary spread include the facility level, with en route positions typically classified as Level 12 compared to Level 7 for tower positions, and various differential pay structures such as 10% for night shifts and a 100% premium for holidays. Strategies to maximize pay in Waipahu include pursuing full CPC certification to enhance earning potential, actively seeking overtime opportunities, and considering shifts at high-traffic facilities that typically offer more lucrative positions. This comprehensive understanding of compensation and local market conditions is essential for both current and prospective controllers in Waipahu.
More salary data for Waipahu, 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 $169,522 for air traffic controllersin the Waipahu 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 Waipahu 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