Air Traffic Controller Salary in Brookline, MA: $159,840 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Brookline, MA earns a median $159,840/year (≈ $76.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Brookline's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $147,318 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Brookline, MA, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $159,840, showing a slight increase over national averages. The salary range for these positions varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $92,707 and the highest 90% approaching $230,521. This financial outlook reflects local estimates derived from 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, adjusted for regional price levels. For aspiring air traffic controllers in Brookline, the typical career progression often involves a certification timeline of 1 to 3 years to reach full pay, all while navigating the developmental controller pay structures that significantly impact initial compensation. Given the competitive nature of this field, the local job market remains promising, maintaining a steady demand for qualified controllers.
About the Brookline Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,707 | $44.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,085 | $55.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $159,840 | $76.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $204,595 | $98.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $230,521 | $110.83 |
Median Salary Position
5.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookline
In Brookline, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,814 (2026 est.). At $159,840, the local median is 5.24% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brookline: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brookline Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Brookline median: $159,840/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brookline Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,783 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +5.24% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Brookline, MA earn a median of $159,840 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.24% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,783.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brookline has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brookline, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $159,840 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,318 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,431
2025 BLS Actual
$155,835
2026 Current Est.
$159,840
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Brookline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,431 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $136,545 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,176 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,575 | Actual |
| 2024 | $159,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $155,835 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,840 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,948 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brookline metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $129,431 (2019) to $155,835 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,948 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,517 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookline 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) | $92,707 – $115,085 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,085 – $159,840 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $159,840 – $204,595 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $204,595 – $230,521 |
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 Brookline
A closer look at the employment dynamics reveals that there are currently 13 air traffic controllers in Brookline, pointing to a tight-knit community within the profession. The area’s cost of living index stands at 108.5, which translates into a higher cost of living than the national average and affects take-home pay purchasing power. Those working in en route centers or major airport facilities tend to earn more, particularly at high-altitude positions, compared to controllers at smaller airports or contract towers. Factors like facility type, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and opportunities for overtime significantly influence the pay spread. Controllers are advised to optimize their earning potential by pursuing positions at FAA en route centers or taking advantage of night and weekend shifts, which yield hefty additional compensation. Understanding these elements helps current and prospective air traffic controllers navigate Brookline's job market effectively.
More salary data for Brookline, 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 $155,835 for air traffic controllersin the Brookline 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 Brookline 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