Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $75.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Chelmsford, MA runs $75.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $156,649 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,996 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $75.32, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This pay reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with managing air traffic, which can take place in various settings, such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this translates to a significant income, while per-diem workers can negotiate flexible arrangements based on demand. The hourly ranges are competitive as well; individuals can expect earnings from around $43.68 at entry-level positions up to $108.06 for the most experienced controllers in roles that demand advanced expertise.
About the Chelmsford 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) | $43.68 | $349.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.23 | $433.83 |
| Median (P50) | $75.32 | $602.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.40 | $771.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.06 | $864.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $75.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.32/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $156,660 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,381. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,012.69 | $13,055 | $156,660 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,807.61 | $7,833 | $93,996 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,205.07 | $5,222 | $62,664 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Chelmsford) | $75.32 |
| 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 Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $156,649 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.14% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,720.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.32/hr = $93,996/year (purchasing power: $86,632).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $156,660/year (purchasing power: $144,387).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Chelmsford grew 20.4% from $60.99/hr (2019) to $73.43/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.25/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
Earning potential for air traffic controllers in Chelmsford varies significantly based on employment type and scheduling. A part-time controller working 24 hours a week can earn a commendable income, though full-time positions often provide the opportunity for substantial overtime, which can inflate overall earnings beyond the base hourly rate. In fact, many controllers working in understaffed facilities may clock in up to 60 hours a week. Given the chronic staffing shortages in air traffic control, overtime pay can accrue rapidly, often reaching bonuses of $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Various employer types—FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and military facilities—also influence pay scales due to their operational demands and oversight regulations. While some professionals may opt for lower hourly rates with comprehensive benefits, such as health insurance, others prioritize maximizing their take-home pay. Understanding these market dynamics can be key for controllers negotiating their compensation packages in Chelmsford.
More salary data for Chelmsford, 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
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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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