Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Framingham, MA: $79.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Framingham, MA runs $79.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,178 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Framingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,103 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Framingham, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $79.41, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This competitive compensation allows for attractive earning potential, especially for part-time and per-diem workers. A typical part-time schedule of three days a week could yield about $62,376 annually, while per-diem air traffic controller pay in Framingham often stems from shifts within en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers. Those starting out can earn as low as $46.06 per hour, while experienced professionals can command upwards of $114.48 per hour. This hourly compensation reflects the high demands and responsibilities of the role, which is crucial in maintaining safe and efficient air traffic operations in the region.
About the Framingham 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) | $46.06 | $368.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.17 | $457.38 |
| Median (P50) | $79.41 | $635.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101.65 | $813.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.48 | $915.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Framingham
Based on $79.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.41/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Framingham, MA can expect to earn approximately $165,172 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,292. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Framingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Framingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,176.39 | $13,764 | $165,172 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,905.83 | $8,259 | $99,103 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,270.56 | $5,506 | $66,069 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Framingham) | $79.41 |
| 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 Framingham, MA earn a median of $165,178 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.75% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% above the Massachusetts state average of $164,848.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.41/hr = $99,103/year (purchasing power: $91,339).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,172/year (purchasing power: $152,232).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Framingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Framingham grew 20.4% from $64.30/hr (2019) to $77.42/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.45/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 Framingham 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 Framingham
Looking at the nuances of part-time and per-diem positions in Framingham, a three-day workweek allows air traffic controllers not just a flexible lifestyle but also a reasonable financial return. Those working these hours might find themselves with an annual earning close to that of full-time positions when factoring in overtime, which is a frequent reality in this field. Many controllers work upwards of 50 hours weekly, often necessitated by an ongoing staffing shortage since the 2013 sequester. This dynamic can push earnings, thanks to overtime rates at 1.5 times the base rate, sometimes resulting in total earnings that far exceed standard hourly expectations. Controllers employed in FAA facilities may find varying pay scales depending on whether they work for en route centers or regional towers, leading to hourly rates that can fluctuate based on their specific roles. As negotiations happen routinely in the sector, many controllers may trade off hourly pay for benefits like health insurance, which adds layers to the overall compensation strategy in the air traffic control profession.
More salary data for Framingham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Framingham in 2026?
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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 Framingham. 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 Framingham 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