Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Somerville, MA: $96,886 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Somerville, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,886 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Somerville's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,296 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($167,044) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Considering the starting air traffic controller salary in Somerville, Massachusetts, new graduates can expect to earn around $96,886 in their first role as a controller. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for the profession, highlighting a noticeable gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $167,044. For early-career professionals, there’s a path of growth as entry-level employees can expect their earnings to climb toward the first quartile of $120,272, and eventually reach the median as they accumulate experience. Given the favorable positioning within the overall pay structure, Somerville not only offers a competitive entry-level salary but also provides a fertile ground for new grads who aim to establish their careers in air traffic control.
About the Somerville Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Somerville
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 Somerville
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Somerville, MA typically start between $96,886 and $120,272 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $142,074 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $167,044 — 9.98% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Massachusetts of $68,000 represents just 70.19% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($96,886/year) in Somerville. 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 Somerville
- 1Research the Somerville market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $96,886 to $120,272, 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 Somerville, 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 Somerville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Somerville'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 Somerville is $142,074 ( 146.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,886, experienced hygienists can earn up to $238,960.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$82,304
2025 BLS Actual
$94,458
2026 Current Est.
$96,886
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,304 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,772 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,959 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,458 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,886 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,376 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Somerville, MA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $82,304 in 2019 to $94,458 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $99,376. New graduates entering the Somerville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Somerville 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 Somerville
In Somerville, the FAA is a key employer actively seeking entry-level air traffic controllers, often recruiting through public announcements or the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program in partnership with select colleges. Applicants must be under age 31 unless they are military veterans, creating a niche for young professionals. To enhance starting pay prospects, candidates should ensure they meet essential requirements such as U.S. citizenship, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test, and completing Initial Qualification Training, which is conducted at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Moreover, controllers can expect reasonable salary increases in the first few years as they gain experience, especially if they aim for Certified Professional Controller (CPC) positions in high-demand facilities. Given the FAA’s structured pay scale and opportunities for overtime amid ongoing workforce shortages, new graduates can foresee salaries nearing $200,000 or more in the future, making Somerville an attractive market for aspiring air traffic controllers.
More salary data for Somerville, 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 Somerville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Somerville 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