Transportation & Logistics Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median air traffic controller salary in Bellevue, WA is $208,818 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$208,818
vs State Avg
+$50,831
vs National
+$71,438
Cost of Living
152%

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

Bellevue offers a median air traffic controller salary of $208,818, which is $50,831 above the Washington state average of $157,987. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $208,818 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Bellevue spans from $124,640 at the 10th percentile to $300,960 at the 90th percentile — a $176,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $129,200, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $288,800. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $129,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $288,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$129,200
+$44,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$212,800
+$72,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$288,800
+$98,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $124,640
25th Percentile $164,160
Median (50th) $208,818
75th Percentile $266,000
90th Percentile $300,960

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$203,322
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$151,118
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$140,128
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$126,390
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Bellevue, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Bellevue, Washington is $208,818 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $124,640 (10th percentile) to $300,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $208,818, a air traffic controller in Bellevue earns approximately $100 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Bellevue's median air traffic controller salary of $208,818 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $157,987. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $208,818 in Bellevue 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 Bellevue? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Bellevue 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.