Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Shrewsbury, MA: $75.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Shrewsbury, MA runs $75.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $157,544 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Shrewsbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,521 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, the hourly pay for air traffic controllers has reached a median of $75.74, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This rate reflects the demanding environments in which controllers operate, from en route center radar consoles to airport traffic control towers. For those working part-time—perhaps three days a week—this hourly rate could provide significant income without the full-time commitment, allowing flexibility in a high-pressure job. Controllers here experience a wide hourly pay range, starting from $43.93 for entry-level positions and climbing to $109.49 for experienced professionals, indicating ample opportunity for growth in this critical field. These figures are estimated based on annual salary data, positioning Shrewsbury competitively within Massachusetts and the nationwide context for air traffic controller hourly pay.
About the Shrewsbury 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) | $43.93 | $351.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.90 | $439.16 |
| Median (P50) | $75.74 | $605.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.95 | $775.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.49 | $875.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shrewsbury
Based on $75.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.74/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shrewsbury, MA can expect to earn approximately $157,534 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,885. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shrewsbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shrewsbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,029.51 | $13,128 | $157,534 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,817.70 | $7,877 | $94,521 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,211.80 | $5,251 | $63,014 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Shrewsbury) | $75.74 |
| 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 Shrewsbury, MA earn a median of $157,544 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.73% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,795.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.74/hr = $94,521/year (purchasing power: $87,116).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $157,534/year (purchasing power: $145,193).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Shrewsbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Shrewsbury grew 20.4% from $61.33/hr (2019) to $73.84/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.68/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 Shrewsbury 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 Shrewsbury
Part-time air traffic controllers in Shrewsbury earning $75.74 per hour and working a 24-hour week could see annual earnings around $59,916, which remains substantial when balancing work and life. However, many controllers opt for per-diem roles for flexibility, and the nature of their contracts varies across employers, such as FAA facilities, military, and contract towers, influencing their real earnings. Controllers in understaffed facilities often find themselves working 50-60 hours a week, significantly increasing their earnings through overtime, which can reach $100,000 or more annually. Additionally, while some facilities offer lower base rates, they often provide comprehensive health benefits, which can be a deciding factor for many in evaluating job offers. Understanding the pay dynamics and negotiating effectively can help air traffic controllers in Shrewsbury maximize their earnings, whether through full-time commitment or strategic part-time work arrangements.
More salary data for Shrewsbury, 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 Shrewsbury. 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 Shrewsbury 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