Air Traffic Controller Salary in Attleboro, MA: $156,994 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Attleboro, MA earns a median $156,994/year (≈ $75.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Attleboro's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $144,695 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Attleboro, Massachusetts, the air traffic controller salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $156,994 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $151,886. This competitive compensation reflects the demanding nature of the job, where controllers frequently work 50 to 60 hours per week due to chronic staff shortages. The salary range in the area varies significantly, from $91,057 at the 10th percentile to $225,520 at the 90th percentile. These figures, which are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional costs, highlight how the local job market can reward those who navigate its inherent challenges effectively. Given the ongoing need for skilled controllers, particularly in understaffed facilities, pay levels in Attleboro tend to be robust in comparison to many other markets.
About the Attleboro Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,057 | $43.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,116 | $54.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $156,994 | $75.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $200,952 | $96.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $225,520 | $108.43 |
Median Salary Position
3.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Attleboro
In Attleboro, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $134,463 (2026 est.). At $156,994, the local median is 3.36% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Attleboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Attleboro Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Attleboro median: $156,994/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Attleboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,736 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +3.36% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Attleboro, MA earn a median of $156,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.36% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,736.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Attleboro has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Attleboro, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $156,994 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $144,695 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,126
2025 BLS Actual
$153,060
2026 Current Est.
$156,994
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Attleboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,126 | Actual |
| 2020 | $134,806 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,114 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,060 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,994 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,028 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Attleboro metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $127,126 (2019) to $153,060 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,028 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,902 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Attleboro 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) | $91,057 – $113,116 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,116 – $156,994 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $156,994 – $200,952 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $200,952 – $225,520 |
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 Attleboro
Despite the attractive compensation figures, potential air traffic controllers in Attleboro must consider the local cost of living index, which stands at 108.5, suggesting a slightly higher-than-average cost of living that can impact take-home pay. Currently, seven air traffic controllers are employed in the area, primarily working in FAA facilities that range from terminal radar approach control (TRACON) to airport traffic control towers. Among these, TRACON facilities typically offer the most competitive salaries due to the complexity of managing traffic within major airport proximity. Factors influencing salary variation include the tier level of the facility, shift differentials, and the availability of overtime, which is abundant in the current staffing landscape. For those looking to maximize earnings, pursuing certification as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) and being flexible with shift assignments can lead to significantly increased compensation in the long run.
More salary data for Attleboro, 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
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 $153,060 for air traffic controllersin the Attleboro 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 Attleboro 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