Air Traffic Controller Salary in Haverhill, MA: $165,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Haverhill, MA earns a median $165,296/year (≈ $79.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Haverhill's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $152,347 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The median air traffic controller salary in Haverhill is projected to be $165,296 in 2026, reflecting a notable increase over previous years. This figure sits above the national median of $151,886, showcasing the competitive nature of compensation in the region. Air traffic controller pay in Haverhill, MA ranges from $95,871 at the 10th percentile to $232,914 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variability based on experience and facility type. The figures presented are derived from 2025 BLS data projected for 2026 and consider regional price adjustments, highlighting that those willing to work 50-60 hour weeks at understaffed facilities may effectively boost their earnings significantly. With the job market employing 16 air traffic controllers in Haverhill, the demand for skilled professionals remains strong amid ongoing staffing challenges in air traffic control roles.
About the Haverhill Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,871 | $46.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,013 | $57.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,296 | $79.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $211,578 | $101.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $232,914 | $111.98 |
Median Salary Position
8.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Haverhill
In Haverhill, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,043 (2026 est.). At $165,296, the local median is 8.83% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Haverhill: You'd be above the median
How Haverhill Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Haverhill median: $165,296/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Haverhill Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,801 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +8.83% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Haverhill, MA earn a median of $165,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.83% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $164,801.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Haverhill has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Haverhill, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $165,296 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,347 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$133,849
2025 BLS Actual
$161,154
2026 Current Est.
$165,296
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Haverhill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,849 | Actual |
| 2020 | $141,935 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,206 | Actual |
| 2022 | $143,926 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,509 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,419 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,154 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,544 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Haverhill metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $133,849 (2019) to $161,154 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $169,544 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,695 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Haverhill 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) | $95,871 – $119,013 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,013 – $165,296 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,296 – $211,578 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $211,578 – $232,914 |
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 Haverhill
In analyzing the local market for air traffic controllers, Haverhill offers a competitive environment for prospective candidates, particularly when considering the cost of living index of 108.5—indicating that living expenses slightly exceed the national average. While 16 controllers are currently employed in the area, those aspiring to maximize their earnings should consider opportunities available within various air traffic control entities, such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport control towers. Pay disparities can arise based on factors like facility level, CPC certification status, and shift differentials, with greater compensation often linked to higher-tier facilities or additional responsibilities. Controllers can significantly increase their take-home pay by capitalizing on mandatory overtime, prevalent given chronic understaffing, as well as pursuing positions that allow for evening or weekend shifts. Understanding these dynamics within the Haverhill job market can help aspiring air traffic controllers navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Haverhill, 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 $161,154 for air traffic controllersin the Haverhill 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 Haverhill 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