Transportation & Logistics Spokane, WA Pop. 228,989

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Spokane, Washington

The median air traffic controller salary in Spokane, WA is $126,390 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 20% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$126,390
vs State Avg
$-31,597
vs National
$-10,990
Cost of Living
92%

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

Spokane offers a median air traffic controller salary of $126,390, which is $31,597 below the Washington state average of $157,987. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Spokane pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Spokane's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Spokane spans from $75,440 at the 10th percentile to $182,160 at the 90th percentile — a $106,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,200, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,800. With a population of 228,989, Spokane is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Spokane by Experience

In Spokane, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $78,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,800
$-15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Spokane, WA

Percentile Spokane
10th Percentile $75,440
25th Percentile $99,360
Median (50th) $126,390
75th Percentile $161,000
90th Percentile $182,160

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$208,818
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$203,322
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$151,118
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$140,128
Pop. 190,915

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Spokane

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Spokane

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Spokane, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Spokane

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Spokane, WA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Spokane, Washington is $126,390 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $75,440 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Spokane? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,390, a air traffic controller in Spokane earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Spokane compare to the Washington state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Spokane's median air traffic controller salary of $126,390 is 20% below the Washington state average of $157,987. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Spokane, WA? ▼
Spokane has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $126,390 in Spokane has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Spokane? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Spokane 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.