Air Traffic Controller Salary in Chicopee, MA: $163,964 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Chicopee, MA earns a median $163,964/year (≈ $78.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Chicopee's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $151,119 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chicopee, Massachusetts, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $163,964 in 2026, reflecting a 7.95% increase over the national median of $151,886. The salary range for these positions varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $95,099, while experienced controllers can command salaries up to $244,759. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities that factor in local economic conditions. As the job market evolves, the compensation landscape in Chicopee is shaped by the facility tier system, with en route facilities typically offering higher pay compared to terminal and tower locations, making it crucial for controllers to understand their job prospects within this tiered structure.
About the Chicopee Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,099 | $45.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,054 | $56.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $163,964 | $78.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $209,099 | $100.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $244,759 | $117.67 |
Median Salary Position
7.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicopee
In Chicopee, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $149,660 (2026 est.). At $163,964, the local median is 7.95% above the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Chicopee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chicopee Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Chicopee median: $163,964/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chicopee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,788 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +7.95% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Chicopee, MA earn a median of $163,964 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.95% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,788.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chicopee has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chicopee, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $163,964 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,119 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$132,771
2025 BLS Actual
$159,856
2026 Current Est.
$163,964
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chicopee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $132,771 | Actual |
| 2020 | $140,792 | Actual |
| 2021 | $140,068 | Actual |
| 2022 | $142,767 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,305 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,087 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,856 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $163,964 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $168,178 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chicopee metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $132,771 (2019) to $159,856 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $168,178 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,407 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicopee 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) | $95,099 – $118,054 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,054 – $163,964 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $163,964 – $209,099 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $209,099 – $244,759 |
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 Chicopee
Chicopee's air traffic controller job market employs a modest cohort of 10 controllers, reflecting a focused but critical workforce. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be somewhat constrained compared to the national average. Within this market, those working at FAA en route centers or terminal radar approach control facilities often see the highest compensation opportunities. Factors influencing salary variation include the facility level—with en route Level 12 positions generally earning more than terminal Level 11 or tower Level 7 roles—as well as CPC certification, which can significantly impact pay rates. Additionally, shift differentials and overtime opportunities are vital for increasing earnings. For prospective controllers aiming to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Chicopee MA, focusing on gaining experience in high-demand facility types and pursuing certifications can prove advantageous in navigating this nuanced job market.
More salary data for Chicopee, 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 $159,856 for air traffic controllersin the Chicopee 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 Chicopee 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