Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Chelsea, MA: $78.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Chelsea, MA runs $78.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $163,286 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Chelsea's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,977 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelsea, Massachusetts, the projected median air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $78.51 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive rate highlights the potential for part-time work or per-diem opportunities in various settings, such as FAA en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For controllers working three days a week, this translates into a robust part-time income, allowing for a flexible schedule while commanding a respectable hourly rate that ranges from $45.53 for entry-level positions to $108.38 for top earners. Overall, the hourly figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting the unique demands and environments faced by air traffic controllers in the Chelsea area.
About the Chelsea 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) | $45.53 | $364.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.53 | $452.21 |
| Median (P50) | $78.51 | $628.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98.50 | $787.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.38 | $867.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelsea
Based on $78.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.51/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelsea, MA can expect to earn approximately $163,295 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,208. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelsea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelsea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,140.28 | $13,608 | $163,295 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,884.17 | $8,165 | $97,977 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,256.11 | $5,443 | $65,318 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Chelsea) | $78.51 |
| 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 Chelsea, MA earn a median of $163,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.51% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,769.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.51/hr = $97,977/year (purchasing power: $90,301).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $163,295/year (purchasing power: $150,502).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $78.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Chelsea grew 20.4% from $63.57/hr (2019) to $76.54/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.52/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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea
Looking at the earning potential for air traffic controllers within Chelsea, a part-time controller working 24 hours a week can expect to take home significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. For per-diem agency workers, the reality is more complex, especially when considering overtime hours, which can significantly elevate one’s effective hourly compensation. Many controllers in understaffed facilities routinely work between 50-60 hours a week, accruing substantial overtime pay, which can add anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 or more annually. Different employer types such as FAA en route centers versus FAA contract towers can also lead to variations in hourly rates. Those willing to prioritize health benefits may find themselves accepting lower hourly rates, while others may trade benefits for higher pay. For controllers negotiating salary in Chelsea, understanding the local market dynamics and the potential for hourly adjustments based on facility type and overtime options will be critical for maximizing earning potential.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Chelsea. 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 Chelsea 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