Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Pittsfield, MA: $78.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Pittsfield, MA runs $78.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $162,544 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Pittsfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,529 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the projected air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $78.15, which is significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This robust hourly rate positions local controllers well in the industry, especially when considering various work arrangements. For instance, part-time controllers working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could find this compensation quite lucrative. In the typical settings of en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers, the HOURLY range varies from a starting point of $45.33 for less experienced professionals to an impressive $107.18 for top earners. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, reflect the diverse structures of employment within Pittsfield's air traffic control landscape.
About the Pittsfield 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) | $45.33 | $362.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.87 | $462.96 |
| Median (P50) | $78.15 | $625.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.68 | $781.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.18 | $857.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsfield
Based on $78.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.15/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsfield, MA can expect to earn approximately $162,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,778. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pittsfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,125.92 | $13,546 | $162,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,875.55 | $8,127 | $97,529 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,250.37 | $5,418 | $65,019 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Pittsfield) | $78.15 |
| 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 Pittsfield, MA earn a median of $162,544 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.02% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,852.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.15/hr = $97,529/year (purchasing power: $89,888).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $162,548/year (purchasing power: $149,814).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pittsfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $78.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pittsfield grew 20.4% from $63.28/hr (2019) to $76.19/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.16/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 Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield
Looking deeper into the compensation dynamics for air traffic controllers in Pittsfield reveals more nuances. A part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week may expect to take home roughly $81,595 annually, which is quite competitive compared to their full-time counterparts. Additionally, many controllers operate on a per-diem basis or as agency workers, potentially resulting in higher earnings through overtime pay, with some earning $50,000 to $100,000 extra annually due to increased hours in understaffed facilities. The pay structures can differ based on employer types, from FAA facilities to military or contract towers, leading to varying compensation levels. Some professionals might accept lower rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others pursue higher hourly wages with fewer benefits. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the pay tiers in Pittsfield's air traffic control sector and leveraging their skills effectively can significantly influence their take-home pay, particularly in a job market characterized by high demand and limited staffing.
More salary data for Pittsfield, 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 Pittsfield. 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 Pittsfield 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