Air Traffic Controller Salary in Everett, MA: $161,815 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Everett, MA earns a median $161,815/year (≈ $77.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Everett's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $149,138 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Everett, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $161,815, which reflects a competitive pay scale when compared to the national median of $151,886 for this profession. The salary range for controllers in the area will vary significantly, from $93,853 at the lower percentile to $236,188 at the upper tier, indicating a robust income potential depending on experience level and facility type. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions in Everett. With the expected growth rate of 2.57%, the job market remains favorable for individuals pursuing a career in air traffic control, further enhanced by the CPC certification pathway that typically allows controllers to ramp up to full pay within 1 to 3 years.
About the Everett Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,853 | $45.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,507 | $56.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $161,815 | $77.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $201,267 | $96.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $236,188 | $113.56 |
Median Salary Position
6.54% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Everett
In Everett, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,335 (2026 est.). At $161,815, the local median is 6.54% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Everett: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Everett Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Everett median: $161,815/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Everett Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,782 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +6.54% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Everett, MA earn a median of $161,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.54% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.80% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,782.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Everett has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Everett, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $161,815 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,138 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$131,031
2025 BLS Actual
$157,761
2026 Current Est.
$161,815
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Everett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,031 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,946 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,233 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,896 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,361 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,937 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,761 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,815 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,974 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Everett metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $131,031 (2019) to $157,761 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $165,974 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,943 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Everett 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) | $93,853 – $116,507 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,507 – $161,815 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $161,815 – $201,267 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $201,267 – $236,188 |
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 Everett
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Everett currently employs a small cohort of just seven professionals, a figure that underscores the highly specialized nature of this role in the region. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, controllers must consider how their compensation affects actual purchasing power in the area. Employers such as FAA en route centers and terminal control facilities play a pivotal role in determining pay levels, with en route facilities generally offering higher salaries. Factors that contribute to pay variations include career stage, CPC certification status, and shift differentials, which can add substantial value to the overall compensation package. To maximize income in Everett, controllers should focus on accumulating experience in higher-paying facilities and remain open to overtime opportunities, which are readily available given the ongoing staffing challenges across the FAA. Understanding the dynamics of their local market will be essential for those considering air traffic controller pay in Everett, MA.
More salary data for Everett, 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 $157,761 for air traffic controllersin the Everett 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 Everett 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