Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sammamish, WA: $160,028 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Sammamish, WA earns a median $160,028/year (≈ $76.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Sammamish's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $149,002 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sammamish, WA, the projected annual salary for air traffic controllers in 2026 is $160,028, positioning them slightly above the national median of $151,886. The full salary range stretches from $92,816 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $233,966 at the 90th percentile, reflecting both the varying facility levels—en route, terminal, and tower—and the significant experience and qualifications needed for higher pay brackets. These figures represent localized estimates based on 2025 BLS data, factoring in regional price adjustments that make Sammamish a competitive market for air traffic controller pay. Professionals in this area can expect to receive compensation that not only rewards their expertise but also takes into account the complexities and demands of air traffic management within its landscape.
About the Sammamish Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,816 | $44.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,220 | $55.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $160,028 | $76.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $204,835 | $98.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $233,966 | $112.49 |
Median Salary Position
5.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sammamish
In Sammamish, WA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $141,150 (2026 est.). At $160,028, the local median is 5.36% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sammamish: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sammamish Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Sammamish median: $160,028/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sammamish Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $163,127 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +5.36% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Sammamish, WA earn a median of $160,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.36% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $163,127.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sammamish has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sammamish, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $160,028 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,002 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,583
2025 BLS Actual
$156,018
2026 Current Est.
$160,028
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sammamish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,583 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,411 | Actual |
| 2021 | $136,705 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,339 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,744 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,470 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,018 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,028 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,140 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sammamish metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $129,583 (2019) to $156,018 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $164,140 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,557 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sammamish 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) | $92,816 – $115,220 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,220 – $160,028 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $160,028 – $204,835 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $204,835 – $233,966 |
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 Sammamish
There are currently 11 air traffic controllers employed in Sammamish, underscoring a niche job market that favors specialized skills and credentials. The cost of living index for the area stands at 107.4, slightly above the national average, which impacts overall take-home earnings and purchasing power. Among the highest-paying employers are FAA en route facilities and terminal radar approach control centers; these are likely where controllers can maximize their earnings. Factors contributing to the salary spread include facility level—where en route positions tend to provide premiums compared to tower jobs—and individual certifications and experience. Shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and locality pay significantly influence total earnings, making it crucial for controllers to understand contract stipulations and seek out en route positions for optimal financial benefit in Sammamish.
More salary data for Sammamish, 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 $156,018 for air traffic controllersin the Sammamish 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 Sammamish 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