Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Somerville, MA: $80.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Somerville, MA runs $80.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $167,044 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Somerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,230 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Somerville, Massachusetts, the projected hourly pay for air traffic controllers in 2026 stands at $80.31, which is notably higher than the national average hourly rate of $73.02. This competitive pay scale reflects the demanding nature of the role, where controllers often work in various intense environments, from FAA terminal radar approach control towers to en route centers. Those opting for part-time work, typically three days a week, or engaging in per-diem assignments can still expect substantial compensation, especially considering that these hourly rates range from $46.58 for entry-level positions to $114.89 for experienced top earners. It's essential to recognize that these figures are based on annual salary data, translating into a formidable financial outlook for air traffic controllers operating in and around Somerville.
About the Somerville 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) | $46.58 | $372.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.82 | $462.55 |
| Median (P50) | $80.31 | $642.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.48 | $819.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.89 | $919.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Somerville
Based on $80.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.31/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Somerville, MA can expect to earn approximately $167,050 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,375. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Somerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Somerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,212.49 | $13,921 | $167,050 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,927.50 | $8,352 | $100,230 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,285.00 | $5,568 | $66,820 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Somerville) | $80.31 |
| 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 Somerville, MA earn a median of $167,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.98% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $164,738.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.31/hr = $100,230/year (purchasing power: $92,378).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $167,050/year (purchasing power: $153,963).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Somerville grew 20.4% from $65.03/hr (2019) to $78.30/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.38/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 Somerville 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 Somerville
Considering part-time opportunities, an air traffic controller working just three days a week (24 hours) in Somerville could still realize significant earnings, albeit lower than full-time colleagues. The nature of per diem air traffic controller pay in Somerville often comes with the potential for lucrative overtime, pushing many controllers working at understaffed facilities to clock 50-60 hours weekly. This can inflate effective hourly compensation considerably, with annual earnings including overtime often surpassing $50,000 to $100,000 more than base salaries. Different employer types also play a role in hourly wages; FAA en route centers tend to offer a different pay structure than airport traffic control towers or military facilities. Some controllers might choose lower hourly rates for the benefits of health insurance and retirement plans, while others prefer higher pay with no additional perks. For those negotiating within this robust market, emphasizing flexibility in scheduling and skills can be effective strategies for boosting overall compensation.
More salary data for Somerville, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Somerville in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Somerville?
Are air traffic controllers in Somerville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Somerville?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Somerville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Somerville. 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 Somerville 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