Transportation & Logistics Vancouver, WA Pop. 190,915

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Vancouver, Washington

The median air traffic controller salary in Vancouver, WA is $140,128 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 11.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$140,128
vs State Avg
$-17,859
vs National
+$2,748
Cost of Living
102%

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

Vancouver offers a median air traffic controller salary of $140,128, which is $17,859 below the Washington state average of $157,987. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Vancouver pays above average for this role.

Vancouver's cost of living is 102% 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 Vancouver spans from $83,640 at the 10th percentile to $201,960 at the 90th percentile — a $118,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,700, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,800. With a population of 190,915, Vancouver is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Vancouver by Experience

In Vancouver, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $86,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,700
+$1,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,800
+$2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,800
+$3,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Vancouver, WA

Percentile Vancouver
10th Percentile $83,640
25th Percentile $110,160
Median (50th) $140,128
75th Percentile $178,500
90th Percentile $201,960

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
Spokane, WA
$126,390
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Vancouver

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Vancouver

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Vancouver, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Vancouver

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Vancouver, WA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Vancouver, Washington is $140,128 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $83,640 (10th percentile) to $201,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Vancouver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,128, a air traffic controller in Vancouver earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Vancouver compare to the Washington state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Vancouver's median air traffic controller salary of $140,128 is 11.3% below the Washington state average of $157,987. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Vancouver, WA? ▼
Vancouver has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $140,128 in Vancouver 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 Vancouver? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Vancouver 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.