Air Traffic Controller Salary in Arlington, MA: $162,340 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Arlington, MA earns a median $162,340/year (≈ $78.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Arlington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $149,622 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Arlington, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $162,340. This figure reflects a range from $94,157 at the lower 10th percentile to $222,643 at the 90th percentile, illustrating significant potential earnings based on experience and position within the air traffic control hierarchy. Local salary estimates are adjusted for regional cost dynamics, making them more reflective of Arlington's economic environment. Compared to the national median of $151,886, this salary indicates a local advantage, positioning Arlington slightly above the national average for air traffic controller pay.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,157 | $45.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,885 | $56.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $162,340 | $78.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $205,925 | $99.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,643 | $107.04 |
Median Salary Position
6.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington
In Arlington, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,486 (2026 est.). At $162,340, the local median is 6.88% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington: You'd be above the median
How Arlington Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Arlington median: $162,340/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,812 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +6.88% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Arlington, MA earn a median of $162,340 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.88% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,812.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $162,340 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,622 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$131,455
2025 BLS Actual
$158,272
2026 Current Est.
$162,340
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,455 | Actual |
| 2020 | $139,397 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,352 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,836 | Actual |
| 2024 | $162,462 | Actual |
| 2025 | $158,272 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $162,340 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $166,512 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $131,455 (2019) to $158,272 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $166,512 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,057 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $94,157 – $116,885 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,885 – $162,340 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $162,340 – $205,925 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $205,925 – $222,643 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Arlington
The job market in Arlington currently employs nine air traffic controllers, providing a modest pool for aspiring professionals looking to enter the field. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, the area's expenses are above the national benchmark, necessitating a focus on maximizing take-home pay. Among the opportunities within this region, FAA en route centers typically offer higher salaries compared to terminal and tower facilities, given the complexity of managing high-altitude traffic. Factors such as Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, night and weekend shift differentials, and the ability to work substantial overtime can significantly influence compensation. For those eager to increase their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications, accumulating hours in critical areas, and opting for available overtime could be key strategies to secure a more lucrative position within Arlington's air traffic control landscape.
More salary data for Arlington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $158,272 for air traffic controllersin the Arlington metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington 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