Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kailua, HI: $249,106 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Kailua, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $249,106/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Kailua's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $208,806 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Kailua, HI, presents an attractive financial landscape for experienced air traffic controllers, particularly those who have honed their skills over seven or more years in the field. With a 2026 median annual salary projected at $175,902, the potential for higher earnings is significant, particularly for top-tier earners who can command salaries in the range of $224,526 to $249,106. Compared to the national top earners, who average around $151,886, Kailua's highest earners stand out, reflecting the experience premium that seasoned professionals receive. Reaching this level typically demands not only extensive operational experience but also advanced technical proficiency, specialization, and the ability to manage increasingly complex traffic scenarios.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kailua
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Kailua earn between $224,526 and $249,106 per year (2026 est.). This $147,083 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kailua median of $175,902 sits 15.81% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Kailua | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $175,902 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $224,526 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $249,106 | $221,151 |
In Kailua, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 41.62% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Kailua
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $175,902 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kailua employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Kailua command premium compensation, often reaching the $224,526–$249,106 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kailua 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 Kailua 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 Kailua
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKailua ranks #4 of 9 Hawaii cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $249,106).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Kailua ($249,106) is 5.96% below the Hawaii average P90 ($264,903).
2019 BLS Actual
$198,608
2025 BLS Actual
$242,864
2026 Current Est.
$249,106
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $198,608 | Actual |
| 2020 | $208,137 | Actual |
| 2021 | $209,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $213,792 | Actual |
| 2023 | $226,396 | Actual |
| 2024 | $237,701 | Actual |
| 2025 | $242,864 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $249,106 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $255,508 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Kailua saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $198,608 in 2019 to $242,864 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 $255,508 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua 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 Kailua
Senior air traffic controllers in Kailua may find that their compensation varies significantly depending on their specialization and employer type. En route and radar controllers generally secure the highest pay, given their roles in managing high-altitude traffic, while those in military air traffic control also see competitive salaries. Additionally, FAA facilities such as ARTCCs and TRACONs tend to offer higher compensation compared to smaller facilities or contract towers. Navigating through the ranks, controllers can progress from developmental positions to certified professional controllers (CPC), catering to supervisory roles that come with enhanced pay and benefits. Participation in advanced training and obtaining credentials can further elevate their salary expectations, especially as the industry grapples with staffing shortages and the ever-present reality of overtime. This dynamic environment often leads to a compelling senior air traffic controller pay structure in HI, offering lucrative opportunities for established professionals committed to the field.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Kailua in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Kailua?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Kailua?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Kailua?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Kailua?
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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 $242,864 for air traffic controllers in the Kailua 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 Kailua 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