Air Traffic Controller Salary in Honolulu, HI: $240,415 (2026)

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median air traffic controller salary of $240,415, which is $6,869 above the Hawaii state average of $233,546. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Honolulu pays above average for this role.

However, Honolulu's cost of living index is 175%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $240,415 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Honolulu spans from $143,500 at the 10th percentile to $346,500 at the 90th percentile — a $203,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $148,750, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $332,500. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $148,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $332,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$148,750

+$63,750 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$245,000

+$105,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$332,500

+$142,500 vs national

Percentile	Honolulu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$143,500	$139,400	$82,000
25th Percentile	$189,000	$183,600	$108,000
Median (50th)	$240,415	$233,546	$137,380
75th Percentile	$306,250	$297,500	$175,000
90th Percentile	$346,500	$336,600	$198,000

Percentile

Honolulu

10th Percentile

$143,500

25th Percentile

$189,000

Median (50th)

$240,415

75th Percentile

$306,250

90th Percentile

$346,500

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Honolulu

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Honolulu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Honolulu, HI? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $240,415 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $143,500 (10th percentile) to $346,500 (90th percentile).

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Honolulu? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $240,415, a air traffic controller in Honolulu earns approximately $116 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Honolulu's median air traffic controller salary of $240,415 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $233,546. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Honolulu, HI? ▼

Honolulu has a cost of living index of 175% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $240,415 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Honolulu? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Honolulu require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii