Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Plymouth, MA: $96,234 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,234 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,695 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($165,921) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, starting air traffic controller salaries in Plymouth, Massachusetts, present an inviting prospect for new entrants in the field. With an entry-level salary pegged at $96,234, aspiring controllers should anticipate a significant gap between their initial pay and the city's median salary of $165,921. This represents a promising growth trajectory; over the first three to five years, earnings could progress from the entry-level mark to around $119,463, moving towards the median. Plymouth offers a competitive market for new graduates, with solid opportunities for career advancement and increasing pay, especially for those who are eager to capitalize on the demand for skilled controllers in the region.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Plymouth, MA typically start between $96,234 and $119,463 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $144,889 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $165,921 — 9.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Massachusetts of $68,000 represents just 70.66% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($96,234/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $96,234 to $119,463, 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth'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 Plymouth is $144,889 ( 150.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,234, experienced hygienists can earn up to $241,123.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$81,751
2025 BLS Actual
$93,823
2026 Current Est.
$96,234
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,751 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,051 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,998 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,044 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,155 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,307 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,823 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,234 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,707 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $81,751 in 2019 to $93,823 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $98,707. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Job opportunities for recent graduates are primarily provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regularly hires through public bidding announcements or the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships with select universities. Applicants, including those from military backgrounds, must meet specific age and educational requirements to maximize their chances. Attaining credentials such as a bachelor's degree or three years of progressive work experience, coupled with passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), is crucial for aspiring controllers. As federal employees, they operate on the FG pay scale and could see salary increases as they gain experience, particularly at top-tier facilities where controllers often exceed base salaries due to shift differentials and overtime. Given the mandatory retirement age of 56, experienced controllers can expect sustained demand in the field, underscored by the ongoing challenges of understaffing that may drive up the workload—and potential pay—over the coming years.
More salary data for Plymouth, 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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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