Air Traffic Controller Salary in Waipahu, HI: $222,556 (2026)

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

Waipahu offers a median air traffic controller salary of $222,556, which is $10,990 below the Hawaii state average of $233,546. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Waipahu pays above average for this role.

However, Waipahu's cost of living index is 162%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $222,556 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Waipahu spans from $132,840 at the 10th percentile to $320,760 at the 90th percentile — a $187,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $137,700, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $307,800. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $137,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $307,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$137,700

+$52,700 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$226,800

+$86,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$307,800

+$117,800 vs national

Percentile	Waipahu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$132,840	$139,400	$82,000
25th Percentile	$174,960	$183,600	$108,000
Median (50th)	$222,556	$233,546	$137,380
75th Percentile	$283,500	$297,500	$175,000
90th Percentile	$320,760	$336,600	$198,000

Percentile

Waipahu

10th Percentile

$132,840

25th Percentile

$174,960

Median (50th)

$222,556

75th Percentile

$283,500

90th Percentile

$320,760

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Waipahu

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Waipahu

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

The median air traffic controller salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $222,556 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $132,840 (10th percentile) to $320,760 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $222,556, a air traffic controller in Waipahu earns approximately $107 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Waipahu's median air traffic controller salary of $222,556 is 4.7% below the Hawaii state average of $233,546. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

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

Waipahu has a cost of living index of 162% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $222,556 in Waipahu 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 Waipahu? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Waipahu 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 Waipahu, Hawaii