TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years

Entry Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Seattle

2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.

$124,632/yr

Typical range: $120,057 $146,732

P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Air Traffic Controller Salary Progression in Seattle

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
EntryThis page0 yrs0 yrs$124,632$10,386
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$153,957$12,830+24%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$173,507$14,459+39%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$197,945$16,495+59%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$256,595$21,383+106%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$312,313$26,026+151%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$326,242$27,187+162%
Current Salary
$124,632
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $60/hr
Next Level Target
$153,957
Junior · 2
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry level Air Traffic Controller salary in Seattle, WA?

Entry Level Air Traffic Controllers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $125K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a entry level Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Seattle, WA?

Based on $125K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $60/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from entry level to senior Air Traffic Controller in Seattle, WA?

The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Air Traffic Controller in Seattle, WA earns $229K–$280K/yr.