Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Worcester, MA: $97,705 (2026)

Employers in the Worcester area primarily include the FAA, which recruits air traffic controllers through a mix of off-the-street announcements and collaborations with Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partner universities. New graduates must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being under 31 unless they are military veterans. Success in this field also hinges on obtaining a bachelor's degree or relevant work experience, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and completing initial training at the FAA Academy. Alongside formal education, ongoing professional development is crucial for enhancing earning potential in the Massachusetts market. The first few years should focus on securing a full-certified control position by participating in facility-specific training, which can take 1-3 years following initial qualification. As controllers operate under the FG pay scale—distinct from the GS scale—those aiming for prestigious en route facilities could see their base pay escalate significantly, in turn bolstering long-term financial stability and career satisfaction within this rewarding field.