Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Dracut, MA: $91,554 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Dracut, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $91,554 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dracut's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,382 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($157,851) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career in air traffic control, new graduates in Dracut, Massachusetts can expect a starting air traffic controller salary of approximately $91,554 in 2026. This is significantly lower than the city median salary of $157,851, reflecting the expected earnings growth as they gain experience. Entry-level positions typically offer a pathway for progression, where new hires may see their pay rise to $114,766 after a couple of years before aiming for the median. Dracut is currently a solid market for fresh graduates entering this field, presenting an opportunity to advance as the demand for skilled controllers is expected to grow, supported by a promising 2.57% annual growth rate in salaries over the coming years.
About the Dracut Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dracut
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dracut
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Dracut, MA typically start between $91,554 and $114,766 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $131,254 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $157,851 — 3.93% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Massachusetts of $68,000 represents just 74.27% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($91,554/year) in Dracut. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Dracut
- 1Research the Dracut market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $91,554 to $114,766, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dracut, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Dracut for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dracut's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Dracut is $131,254 ( 143.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $91,554, experienced hygienists can earn up to $222,808.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$77,775
2025 BLS Actual
$89,260
2026 Current Est.
$91,554
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Dracut (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,775 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,818 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,816 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,762 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,722 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,623 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,554 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,907 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Dracut, MA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $77,775 in 2019 to $89,260 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $93,907. New graduates entering the Dracut job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dracut metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Dracut
Employers in Dracut looking to attract new air traffic controller talent primarily include the FAA, which recruits via public bid windows for entry-level positions. To be eligible, candidates must adhere to specific criteria, including being under age 31 unless they are military veterans. Prospective controllers are often encouraged to go through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, which partners with select universities. Starting pay can be enhanced by obtaining relevant credentials such as passing the FAA's standardized aptitude test and completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. As a federal employee on the FG pay scale, newly hired controllers can see their salaries grow significantly through dedicated service and overtime opportunities, particularly in high-traffic en route facilities. With an understanding of the requirements and commitment to ongoing training, new grads can expect a robust career trajectory in air traffic control within Dracut.
More salary data for Dracut, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Dracut. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dracut is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov