Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kahului, HI: $235,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Kahului, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $235,950/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Kahului's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $197,779 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kahului, skilled air traffic controllers with extensive experience stand to gain significantly, with the top-tier salaries reaching as high as $235,950 in 2026. The median annual salary for seasoned professionals in this field is anticipated to be $168,646, creating a substantial income gap that highlights the rewarding nature of specialized roles in air traffic control. To achieve such exemplary earnings, controllers must typically ascend through a series of rigorous training and certification processes, including obtaining a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, which positions them for higher responsibilities and, consequently, increased compensation. The competitive environment in Kahului, coupled with its picturesque setting, attracts talented individuals who aim for the upper echelons of the air traffic control profession, where experience translates not only into job security but also substantial financial rewards.
About the Kahului Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kahului
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Kahului earn between $213,126 and $235,950 per year (2026 est.). This $138,135 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kahului median of $168,646 sits 11.03% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Kahului | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $168,646 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $213,126 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $235,950 | $221,151 |
In Kahului, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 39.91% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Kahului
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $168,646 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kahului employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Kahului command premium compensation, often reaching the $213,126–$235,950 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kahului metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Kahului with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Hawaii who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Kahului
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKahului ranks #9 of 9 Hawaii cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $235,950).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Kahului ($235,950) is 10.93% below the Hawaii average P90 ($264,903).
2019 BLS Actual
$188,119
2025 BLS Actual
$230,038
2026 Current Est.
$235,950
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kahului (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $188,119 | Actual |
| 2020 | $197,145 | Actual |
| 2021 | $198,436 | Actual |
| 2022 | $202,501 | Actual |
| 2023 | $214,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $225,146 | Actual |
| 2025 | $230,038 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $235,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $242,014 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Kahului saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $188,119 in 2019 to $230,038 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $242,014 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kahului 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Kahului
Certain specialties within Kahului's air traffic control sector command premium pay, particularly in en route and radar roles, which represent the highest compensation levels due to the complexity and responsibility associated with managing high-altitude traffic. Positions in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and airport traffic control towers also offer robust pay, albeit generally lower than en route roles. The type of employer plays a critical role in determining senior air traffic controller pay in HI; those employed by FAA en route centers often earn more than those at TRACON or smaller airport control towers. The pathway to senior roles typically follows a structured progression, allowing controllers to elevate their careers from developmental roles to positions such as traffic management coordinator or ATC manager. Advanced qualifications such as additional FAA certifications or military ATC experience can further enhance earning potential, while factors like overtime availability and benefits from locality pay ensure that Kahului remains competitive with national salary trends, marked by a projected growth rate of 2.57%.
More salary data for Kahului, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Kahului in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Kahului?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Kahului?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Kahului?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Kahului?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $230,038 for air traffic controllers in the Kahului metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kahului 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