Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Waltham, MA: $77.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Waltham, MA runs $77.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $160,362 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Waltham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,223 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Waltham, Massachusetts, earn a median hourly rate of $77.10, which exceeds the national hourly median of $73.02 by approximately 5.58%. This competitive pay structure allows for favorable earnings, even for part-time (3 days/week) and per-diem workers. Controllers in Waltham often find themselves managing operations in pressured environments, from radar consoles at en route centers to bustling control towers with expansive views. Entry-level positions typically start around $44.72 per hour, while experienced controllers can earn up to $111.68 per hour, illustrating a significant earning potential throughout their careers. Such hourly rates reflect the critical nature of the job, where controllers are vital in securing the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations.
About the Waltham 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) | $44.72 | $357.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.51 | $444.09 |
| Median (P50) | $77.10 | $616.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98.68 | $789.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.68 | $893.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waltham
Based on $77.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.10/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waltham, MA can expect to earn approximately $160,372 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,522. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waltham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waltham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,084.07 | $13,364 | $160,372 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,850.44 | $8,019 | $96,223 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,233.63 | $5,346 | $64,149 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Waltham) | $77.10 |
| 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 Waltham, MA earn a median of $160,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.58% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,812.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.10/hr = $96,223/year (purchasing power: $88,685).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $160,372/year (purchasing power: $147,808).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Waltham grew 20.4% from $62.43/hr (2019) to $75.17/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.08/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 Waltham 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 Waltham
Exploring the earning potential for air traffic controllers working in Waltham reveals a distinct financial outlook for part-time versus full-time positions. An air traffic controller working a part-time schedule of 24 hours weekly can expect an annual income significantly lower than a full-time peer, yet still competitive within the profession. Many controllers see their gross hourly compensation climb due to overtime, as frequent understaffing at FAA facilities can push work hours beyond the typical 40-hour week. Controllers may end up working 50 to 60 hours weekly, with overtime pay allowing them to earn an extra $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Hourly compensation can also differ depending on the type of facility; FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities typically pay a premium, while smaller airports staffed by contractors may offer lower hourly rates. Consequently, factors such as health benefits and job security in full-time roles versus higher hourly pay without benefits for per-diem positions make for difficult decisions in compensation negotiations in this field.
More salary data for Waltham, 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 Waltham. 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 Waltham 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