Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Watertown, MA: $78.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Watertown, MA runs $78.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $162,660 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,593 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, Massachusetts, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $78.20, which is notably higher than the national average of $73.02. This competitive rate provides substantial earning potential for both part-time and per-diem employees working in various air traffic environments, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For those operating on a part-time schedule, such as three days a week, the financial ramifications can be significant. Watertown's air traffic controller hourly pay ranges from $45.36 at entry-level positions to $107.55 for top earners, reflecting the premium placed on experience and expertise in this specialized field. These figures stem from estimated annual salary data, encapsulating the financial landscape of an air traffic controller's role in a bustling aviation ecosystem.
About the Watertown 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) | $45.36 | $362.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.98 | $463.86 |
| Median (P50) | $78.20 | $625.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.70 | $781.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.55 | $860.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $78.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.20/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, MA can expect to earn approximately $162,655 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,839. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,127.97 | $13,555 | $162,655 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,876.78 | $8,133 | $97,593 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,251.19 | $5,422 | $65,062 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Watertown) | $78.20 |
| 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 Watertown, MA earn a median of $162,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.09% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,802.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.20/hr = $97,593/year (purchasing power: $89,947).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $162,655/year (purchasing power: $149,912).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $78.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Watertown grew 20.4% from $63.32/hr (2019) to $76.24/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.21/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Flexibility in hours contributes to both part-time earnings and the potential for dramatic increases in income from overtime. A part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week can take home significantly different compensation than their full-time counterparts, who might average much higher through regular shifts and additional overtime. Many controllers find themselves working 50 to 60 hours a week to meet staffing demands at facilities, with the potential for annual overtime earnings between $50,000 and $100,000 enhancing their overall compensation. The variability in hourly rates extends to the type of employment; an FAA en route center may offer different pay scales compared to a military air traffic control unit or a FAA contract tower. Controllers balancing hourly pay against benefits must consider whether a higher wage without health insurance is preferable to a slightly lower hourly rate that includes a comprehensive benefits package. For those negotiating pay in Watertown, understanding local demand for air traffic services, staffing levels, and facility types can empower them to secure favorable terms based on the ongoing need for skilled professionals in this critical area of aviation management.
More salary data for Watertown, 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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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