Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kailua, HI: $233,546 (2026)

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

Kailua offers a median air traffic controller salary of $233,546, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $233,546. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Kailua pays above average for this role.

However, Kailua's cost of living index is 170%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $233,546 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Kailua spans from $139,400 at the 10th percentile to $336,600 at the 90th percentile — a $197,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $144,500, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $323,000. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $144,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $323,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$144,500

+$59,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$238,000

+$98,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$323,000

+$133,000 vs national

Percentile	Kailua	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$139,400	$139,400	$82,000
25th Percentile	$183,600	$183,600	$108,000
Median (50th)	$233,546	$233,546	$137,380
75th Percentile	$297,500	$297,500	$175,000
90th Percentile	$336,600	$336,600	$198,000

Percentile

Kailua

10th Percentile

$139,400

25th Percentile

$183,600

Median (50th)

$233,546

75th Percentile

$297,500

90th Percentile

$336,600

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Kailua

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Kailua 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 Kailua may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kailua

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

The median air traffic controller salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $233,546 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $139,400 (10th percentile) to $336,600 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $233,546, a air traffic controller in Kailua earns approximately $112 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Kailua's median air traffic controller salary of $233,546 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $233,546. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

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

Kailua has a cost of living index of 170% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $233,546 in Kailua 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 Kailua? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Kailua 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 Kailua, Hawaii