Air Traffic Controller Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $155,613 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Ellensburg, WA earns a median $155,613/year (≈ $74.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Ellensburg's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $144,891 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Ellensburg, WA is projected to reach a median of $155,613, slightly above the national median of $151,886. This figure captures the impact of chronic staffing shortages within the Federal Aviation Administration, leading many controllers to work overtime, often between 50 to 60 hours a week. The wide salary range, from $90,255 at the lowest decile to $211,942 at the highest, reflects variations in experience, certification, and the types of facilities where controllers are employed. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, account for local economic conditions and cost adjustments, positioning Ellensburg as a competitive market for air traffic controller pay.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,255 | $43.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,041 | $53.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,613 | $74.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $194,186 | $93.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $211,942 | $101.89 |
Median Salary Position
2.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,687 (2026 est.). At $155,613, the local median is 2.45% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ellensburg: You'd be above the median
How Ellensburg Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Ellensburg median: $155,613/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellensburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,116 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +2.45% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $155,613 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.45% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $163,116.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellensburg has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellensburg, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,613 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $144,891 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$126,008
2025 BLS Actual
$151,714
2026 Current Est.
$155,613
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,008 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,621 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,934 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,496 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,751 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,878 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,714 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,613 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,612 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $126,008 (2019) to $151,714 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,612 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,604 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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) | $90,255 – $112,041 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,041 – $155,613 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,613 – $194,186 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $194,186 – $211,942 |
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 Ellensburg
The job market for air traffic controllers in Ellensburg consists of only six professionals, indicating a small but specialized workforce in this sector. The cost of living index in the area stands at 107.4, which makes it essential for controllers to strategically consider their take-home pay, as this figure is slightly above the national average. Employers such as FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach controls, and airport traffic control towers determine pay scales based on facility type and position level. Controllers at higher-level en route facilities generally earn more than their counterparts at lower-tier towers. To maximize compensation in Ellensburg, aspiring and current controllers should aim for the highest certification levels and remain open to evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, as these often attract additional pay incentives. This strategic approach can significantly influence overall earnings amid a backdrop of staffing challenges that continue to drive overtime opportunities.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
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 $151,714 for air traffic controllersin the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg 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