Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lynnwood, WA: $157,669 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Lynnwood, WA earns a median $157,669/year (≈ $75.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Lynnwood's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $146,805 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected air traffic controller salary in Lynnwood, WA, for 2026 is $157,669, which reflects a competitive pay structure in comparison to the national median of $151,886. Controllers in this area can expect a salary range from $92,083 at the 10th percentile to as much as $225,290 at the 90th percentile, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments. As potential candidates navigate the path to full certification, which typically takes 1 to 3 years, they’ll find that their earnings growth is closely aligned with their certification status. In Lynnwood, the demand for skilled air traffic controllers persists, thanks to the critical infrastructure supporting high-capacity air traffic management.
About the Lynnwood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,083 | $44.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,353 | $55.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,669 | $75.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $196,556 | $94.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $225,290 | $108.31 |
Median Salary Position
3.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lynnwood
In Lynnwood, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,207 (2026 est.). At $157,669, the local median is 3.81% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lynnwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lynnwood Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Lynnwood median: $157,669/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lynnwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,049 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +3.81% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Lynnwood, WA earn a median of $157,669 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.81% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% below the Washington state average of $163,049.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lynnwood has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lynnwood, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,669 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,805 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,673
2025 BLS Actual
$153,718
2026 Current Est.
$157,669
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lynnwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,673 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,386 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,285 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,611 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,015 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,718 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,669 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,721 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lynnwood metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $127,673 (2019) to $153,718 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,721 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,048 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynnwood 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) | $92,083 – $116,353 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,353 – $157,669 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,669 – $196,556 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $196,556 – $225,290 |
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 Lynnwood
Analyzing the local job market reveals that Lynnwood currently employs six air traffic controllers, highlighting a niche yet competitive field. The cost of living index stands at 107.4, which suggests that while salaries are enticing, the purchasing power may be moderated by higher living expenses. Among the various air traffic control facilities in the region, the FAA en route centers typically offer the highest pay, followed closely by terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities that service major airport traffic. Factors that drive differences in compensation include the type of facility, certification levels, shift differentials for night and holiday shifts, and abundant overtime opportunities due to staffing shortages. To maximize air traffic controller pay in Lynnwood, focusing on obtaining full CPC certification as quickly as possible and being open to flexible scheduling can significantly enhance total compensation.
More salary data for Lynnwood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $153,718 for air traffic controllersin the Lynnwood 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 Lynnwood 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