Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Plymouth, MA: $79.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Plymouth, MA runs $79.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,921 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Plymouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,551 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controller hourly pay in Plymouth, Massachusetts, stands at a median of $79.77. This figure exceeds the national average of $73.02, making Plymouth an attractive location for air traffic controllers considering hourly work. For those opting for part-time schedules at around three days a week, the income can be significant, especially given the demanding environments where controllers work—whether at en route center radar consoles or in airport traffic control towers. For entry-level positions, hourly rates begin at approximately $46.27, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $115.92 per hour. Such rates reflect the specialized training and responsibilities inherent in this field, with compensation estimates drawn from annual salary data.
About the Plymouth 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) | $46.27 | $370.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.44 | $459.51 |
| Median (P50) | $79.77 | $638.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.11 | $816.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.92 | $927.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plymouth
Based on $79.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.77/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plymouth, MA can expect to earn approximately $165,919 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,722. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plymouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plymouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,190.75 | $13,827 | $165,919 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,914.45 | $8,296 | $99,551 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,276.30 | $5,531 | $66,368 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Plymouth) | $79.77 |
| 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 Plymouth, MA earn a median of $165,921 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.24% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $164,768.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.77/hr = $99,551/year (purchasing power: $91,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,919/year (purchasing power: $152,921).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Plymouth grew 20.4% from $64.59/hr (2019) to $77.77/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.82/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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Part-time air traffic controllers in Plymouth can earn a substantial income, even with a 24-hour workweek. When comparing the potential annual earnings as part-time employees versus full-time counterparts, full-time controllers, who often log 50-60 hours weekly, can significantly increase their overall income through overtime pay. Many controllers in the area report bringing in an extra $50,000-$100,000 annually from overtime, an essential consideration in a profession known for chronic understaffing following budget cuts. Although part-time or per diem air traffic controller pay in Plymouth can vary greatly depending on employer type—like FAA en route centers, TRACONs, or even military facilities—negotiating the right hourly rate is crucial. Additionally, while some may accept lower pay for benefits like health insurance with certain employers, others may prioritize higher wages over benefits depending on individual circumstances. Understanding these dynamics is essential for anyone seeking to maximize their income in this competitive field in MA.
More salary data for Plymouth, 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 Plymouth. 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 Plymouth 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