Air Traffic Controller Salary in Framingham, MA: $165,178 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Framingham, MA earns a median $165,178/year (≈ $79.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Framingham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $152,238 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Framingham, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $165,178, surpassing the national median of $151,886 by approximately 8.75%. The salary range for this profession in Framingham spans from $95,803 at the 10th percentile to a remarkable $238,113 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a broad spectrum of compensation based on experience and facility type. The estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price considerations, and reveal the impact of air traffic controllers working often in understaffed environments, leading to extended hours that effectively boost their total earnings. With significant overtime opportunities and varying facility classifications, the job market for air traffic controllers in Framingham reflects both financial potential and professional demand in this critical role.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,803 | $46.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,928 | $57.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,178 | $79.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $211,428 | $101.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $238,113 | $114.48 |
Median Salary Position
8.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Framingham
In Framingham, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,310 (2026 est.). At $165,178, the local median is 8.75% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Framingham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Framingham Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Framingham median: $165,178/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Framingham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,848 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +8.75% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Framingham, MA earn a median of $165,178 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.75% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% above the Massachusetts state average of $164,848.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Framingham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Framingham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $165,178 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,238 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$133,753
2025 BLS Actual
$161,039
2026 Current Est.
$165,178
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Framingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,753 | Actual |
| 2020 | $141,834 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,105 | Actual |
| 2022 | $143,824 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,403 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,302 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,039 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,178 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,423 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Framingham metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $133,753 (2019) to $161,039 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $169,423 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,670 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Framingham 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) | $95,803 – $118,928 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,928 – $165,178 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,178 – $211,428 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $211,428 – $238,113 |
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 Framingham
The local job market features 17 air traffic controllers, contributing to a competitive landscape with variation in pay heavily influenced by the type of facility. With a cost of living index of 108.5, controllers in Framingham face slightly higher living expenses, which can affect their overall purchasing power. Among employers, FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities tend to offer the highest salaries, thanks to the complexity and responsibilities involved compared to tower facilities. The disparity in wages is often driven by factors such as certified professional controller (CPC) status, overtime opportunities, and shift differentials, which can significantly enhance earnings. Controllers strategically targeting positions in en route centers, taking on overtime and night shifts, and pursuing CPC certification can maximize their air traffic controller pay in Framingham, MA, ensuring they take full advantage of the prevailing economic conditions and job requirements.
More salary data for Framingham, 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 $161,039 for air traffic controllersin the Framingham 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 Framingham 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