Air Traffic Controller Salary in Brockton, MA: $166,211 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Brockton, MA earns a median $166,211/year (≈ $79.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Brockton's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $153,190 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Brockton, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $166,211, reflecting a 9.43% premium over the national median of $151,886. Salary ranges for this role in the area vary widely, from $96,402 at the 10th percentile to $250,905 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential based on experience and certification level. These estimates come from the 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions, highlighting employment opportunities in the local market. As the FAA continues to tackle chronic staffing shortages, Brockton's salary projections signal a competitive environment for air traffic controllers, particularly for those in advanced positions.
About the Brockton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,402 | $46.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $120,040 | $57.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $166,211 | $79.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $212,750 | $102.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $250,905 | $120.62 |
Median Salary Position
9.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brockton
In Brockton, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $154,503 (2026 est.). At $166,211, the local median is 9.43% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brockton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brockton Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Brockton median: $166,211/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brockton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,728 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +9.43% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Brockton, MA earn a median of $166,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.43% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% above the Massachusetts state average of $164,728.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brockton has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brockton, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $166,211 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,190 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,590
2025 BLS Actual
$162,046
2026 Current Est.
$166,211
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Brockton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,987 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,723 | Actual |
| 2023 | $150,337 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $162,046 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $166,211 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,482 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brockton metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $134,590 (2019) to $162,046 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $170,482 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,892 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brockton 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) | $96,402 – $120,040 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $120,040 – $166,211 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $166,211 – $212,750 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $212,750 – $250,905 |
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 Brockton
Currently, 25 air traffic controllers work in Brockton, contributing to the area's strong job market for this profession. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating that living expenses are about 8.5% higher than the national average, which impacts take-home purchasing power and should be factored into salary negotiations. Employment opportunities vary across facilities, with FAA en route centers typically offering the highest compensation, followed by TRACONs and airport traffic control towers. Controllers can enhance their pay through various means, such as obtaining CPC certification, which significantly raises earnings potential, or by taking advantage of shift differentials and overtime opportunities. Understanding the pay structure based on facility type, certification status, and current demand can assist controllers in maximizing their air traffic controller pay in Brockton, MA.
More salary data for Brockton, 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 $162,046 for air traffic controllersin the Brockton 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 Brockton 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