Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Cambridge, MA: $65.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Cambridge, MA runs $65.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,884 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Cambridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,528 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Cambridge, Massachusetts, earn a median hourly rate of $65.33, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This discrepancy can impact part-time and per-diem controllers who typically work in settings such as radar consoles at en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. The competitive hourly range runs from $37.89 for entry-level positions to $95.63 for top earners, reflecting varying levels of responsibility and experience. For those considering part-time roles, the potential for irregular hours can be appealing, as the unique work environments provide both opportunities for advancement and challenges. As these amounts are derived from projections based on annual salary data, they serve as a window into the expected financial landscape for air traffic controllers in this vibrant MA city as of 2026.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.89 | $303.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.04 | $376.31 |
| Median (P50) | $65.33 | $522.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.63 | $669.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.63 | $765.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cambridge
Based on $65.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.33/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cambridge, MA can expect to earn approximately $135,880 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,392. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cambridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cambridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,613.07 | $11,323 | $135,880 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,567.84 | $6,794 | $81,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,045.23 | $4,529 | $54,352 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Cambridge) | $65.33 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $135,884 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.54% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 17.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,708.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.33/hr = $81,528/year (purchasing power: $75,141).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,880/year (purchasing power: $125,235).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $78.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Cambridge grew 20.4% from $52.90/hr (2019) to $63.69/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.01/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Cambridge
For a part-time air traffic controller working three days a week, the annual take-home pay, based on 24 hours each week, would be significantly less than that of a full-time counterpart. While part-time positions may seem attractive, the lack of full benefits can mean that opting for higher hourly pay in some facilities also comes with trade-offs in terms of health insurance and job security. Many controllers in Cambridge, particularly at FAA en route centers, also engage in overtime, which can greatly increase overall earnings, with opportunities for 1.5x base rates leading to annual totals that often exceed $50,000-$100,000 in extra pay. For those interested in per-diem positions, the negotiation process can vary considerably depending on the employer type—whether it’s a FAA contract tower or a military installation—affecting overall compensation. Understanding the differences in pay structures between FAA facilities and private contractors can be crucial for controllers looking to maximize their income while navigating the landscape of air traffic control in Cambridge.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Cambridge in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Cambridge?
Are air traffic controllers in Cambridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Cambridge?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Cambridge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Cambridge. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cambridge 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