Transportation & Logistics Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median air traffic controller salary in Tacoma, WA is $151,118 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$151,118
vs State Avg
$-6,869
vs National
+$13,738
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median air traffic controller salary of $151,118, which is $6,869 below the Washington state average of $157,987. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $90,200 at the 10th percentile to $217,800 at the 90th percentile — a $127,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $93,500, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $209,000. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $93,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $209,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$93,500
+$8,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$154,000
+$14,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$209,000
+$19,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $90,200
25th Percentile $118,800
Median (50th) $151,118
75th Percentile $192,500
90th Percentile $217,800

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$208,818
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$203,322
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$140,128
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$126,390
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Tacoma, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Tacoma, Washington is $151,118 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $90,200 (10th percentile) to $217,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $151,118, a air traffic controller in Tacoma earns approximately $73 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Tacoma's median air traffic controller salary of $151,118 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $157,987. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $151,118 in Tacoma 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 Tacoma? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Tacoma 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.