Air Traffic Controller Salary in Franklin, MA: $157,122 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Franklin, MA earns a median $157,122/year (≈ $75.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Franklin's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $144,813 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, Massachusetts, the air traffic controller salary is projected to reach a substantial median of $157,122 for 2026. This impressive figure is slightly above the national median of $151,886, reflecting not only the demand for qualified professionals in the area but also the comprehensive nature of compensation in this field. The salary range is significant, with entry-level controllers starting at approximately $91,130 (P10) and experienced professionals earning up to $220,388 (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data adjusted for regional price parities, highlight a local job market that rewards controllers well, particularly in environments that may be understaffed and thus compel longer work weeks averaging between 50-60 hours.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,130 | $43.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,128 | $54.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,122 | $75.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $199,381 | $95.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220,388 | $105.95 |
Median Salary Position
3.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
In Franklin, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,258 (2026 est.). At $157,122, the local median is 3.45% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Franklin: You'd be above the median
How Franklin Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Franklin median: $157,122/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Franklin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,871 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +3.45% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Franklin, MA earn a median of $157,122 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.45% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,871.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Franklin has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Franklin, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,122 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $144,813 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,230
2025 BLS Actual
$153,185
2026 Current Est.
$157,122
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $134,916 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,223 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,809 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,116 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,185 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,122 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,160 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Franklin metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $127,230 (2019) to $153,185 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,160 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,930 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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) | $91,130 – $113,128 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,128 – $157,122 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,122 – $199,381 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $199,381 – $220,388 |
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 Franklin
With only eight air traffic controllers employed in Franklin, the market is tight, offering unique opportunities yet also reflecting the challenges of a higher cost of living index at 108.5. This index indicates that the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished compared to lower-cost areas, necessitating strategic salary negotiations. Controllers are typically employed by FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach controls (TRACONs), or airport traffic control towers, with varying pay scales dependent on the facility type and certification status. Those in en route centers can command some of the highest salaries due to higher traffic management demands. To maximize earnings, aspiring controllers should consider position advancements within the facility tier system, pursue Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, and remain open to overtime opportunities, which are often necessary to meet employee coverage in understaffed locations like Franklin.
More salary data for Franklin, 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 $153,185 for air traffic controllersin the Franklin 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 Franklin 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