Air Traffic Controller Salary in Braintree, MA: $159,053 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Braintree, MA earns a median $159,053/year (≈ $76.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Braintree's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $146,593 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Braintree, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $159,053, slightly above the national median of $151,886. The local salary range spans from $92,250 at the 10th percentile to $227,219 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse roles and experiences within the profession. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional costs of living. While Braintree's salaries for air traffic controllers are competitive, the journey to fully realized earning potential typically takes 1 to 3 years for new hires, especially those in developmental positions. New controllers gain experience that is critical for achieving full certification, which significantly boosts their compensation.
About the Braintree Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,250 | $44.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,097 | $56.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $159,053 | $76.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $203,588 | $97.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $227,219 | $109.24 |
Median Salary Position
4.72% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Braintree
In Braintree, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $134,969 (2026 est.). At $159,053, the local median is 4.72% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Braintree: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Braintree Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Braintree median: $159,053/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Braintree Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,822 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +4.72% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Braintree, MA earn a median of $159,053 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.72% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,822.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Braintree has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Braintree, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $159,053 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,593 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,794
2025 BLS Actual
$155,068
2026 Current Est.
$159,053
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Braintree (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,794 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,575 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,873 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,491 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,863 | Actual |
| 2024 | $159,173 | Actual |
| 2025 | $155,068 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,053 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,141 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Braintree metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $128,794 (2019) to $155,068 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,141 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,347 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Braintree 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) | $92,250 – $117,097 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,097 – $159,053 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $159,053 – $203,588 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $203,588 – $227,219 |
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 Braintree
Braintree currently employs seven air traffic controllers, an indicator of a niche but vital local job market. With a cost of living index of 108.5, living expenses are slightly above the national average, which means take-home pay can be affected. Typically, the highest-paying opportunities are found with the FAA en route centers, particularly those managing high-altitude traffic, as these positions generally offer better pay scales than terminal or tower facilities. The compensation varies widely based on location, facility type, and additional factors such as CPC certification status and shift differentials. Controllers seeking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing overtime opportunities, particularly as chronic staffing shortages continue to create demand for additional hours. Understanding the nuances of pay structure—like locality pay and facility level distinctions—will be crucial for those in Braintree looking to enhance their air traffic controller pay.
More salary data for Braintree, 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 $155,068 for air traffic controllersin the Braintree 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 Braintree 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