Air Traffic Controller Salary in Beverly, MA: $160,716 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Beverly, MA earns a median $160,716/year (≈ $77.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Beverly's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $148,125 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Beverly, Massachusetts, the projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers in 2026 is $160,716, placing it roughly 5.81% above the national median of $151,886. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments suggest a broad salary range for air traffic controllers, spanning from $93,216 at the 10th percentile to $232,837 at the 90th percentile. With various facility tiers, including en route, terminal, and tower facilities, pay can vary significantly based on the facility's classification. Controllers working at en route Level 12 facilities often earn substantially more than their peers in lower-tier terminal or tower facilities. As Beverly's air traffic controller market matures, competitive compensation remains critical to attracting skilled professionals and addressing ongoing staffing needs.
About the Beverly Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,216 | $44.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,785 | $56.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $160,716 | $77.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $205,716 | $98.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $232,837 | $111.94 |
Median Salary Position
5.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Beverly
In Beverly, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $139,621 (2026 est.). At $160,716, the local median is 5.81% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Beverly: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Beverly Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Beverly median: $160,716/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Beverly Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,837 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +5.81% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Beverly, MA earn a median of $160,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.81% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,837.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Beverly has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Beverly, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $160,716 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,125 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$130,140
2025 BLS Actual
$156,689
2026 Current Est.
$160,716
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Beverly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,293 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,939 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,367 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,836 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,689 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,716 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,846 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Beverly metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $130,140 (2019) to $156,689 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $164,846 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,706 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beverly 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) | $93,216 – $116,785 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,785 – $160,716 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $160,716 – $205,716 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $205,716 – $232,837 |
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 Beverly
Currently, Beverly employs eight air traffic controllers, reflecting a niche but essential segment of the local job market. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, the purchasing power of salaries here feels slightly diminished compared to national averages. Employers such as FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities typically offer the highest compensation levels in Beverly. Pay disparities arise from factors like facility tier, CPC certification status, and shift differentials, which incentivize controllers to take on less desirable hours. Controllers can maximize their earnings by seeking positions at higher-tier facilities and embracing opportunities for overtime, which remains abundant due to chronic staffing shortages. Understanding the competitive dynamics of air traffic controller pay in Beverly, MA, is essential for current professionals and those aspiring to enter the field.
More salary data for Beverly, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Beverly?
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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 $156,689 for air traffic controllersin the Beverly 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 Beverly 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