Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lawrence, MA: $160,714 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Lawrence, MA earns a median $160,714/year (≈ $77.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $148,124 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Massachusetts, air traffic controllers can expect a robust median annual salary of $160,714 for 2026. This figure signifies a competitive position relative to the national average, which stands at $151,886, marking an attractive uplift of 5.81% for local controllers. The salary range is wide, with entry-level positions starting at around $93,214 (P10) and seasoned professionals earning up to $233,504 (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, are reflective of the local market conditions. Many facilities, particularly those under the FAA umbrella, are still grappling with staffing shortages, which often necessitate 50-60 hour work weeks—thus enhancing effective compensation through overtime. This situation creates a uniquely favorable environment for air traffic controllers in the area.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,214 | $44.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,714 | $55.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $160,714 | $77.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $205,713 | $98.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $233,504 | $112.26 |
Median Salary Position
5.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $140,290 (2026 est.). At $160,714, the local median is 5.81% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lawrence Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $160,714/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,835 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +5.81% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Lawrence, MA earn a median of $160,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.81% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,835.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lawrence, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $160,714 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,124 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$130,139
2025 BLS Actual
$156,687
2026 Current Est.
$160,714
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,139 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,001 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,292 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,937 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,365 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,835 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,687 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,714 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,844 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $130,139 (2019) to $156,687 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $164,844 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,705 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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) | $93,214 – $115,714 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,714 – $160,714 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $160,714 – $205,713 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $205,713 – $233,504 |
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 Lawrence
The air traffic controller job market in Lawrence consists of 16 professionals, working primarily in a context characterized by a cost-of-living index of 108.5, signaling that housing and other living expenses exceed the national average. This economic reality impacts take-home pay, necessitating strategic choices for prospective controllers. The best-paying positions are typically found within FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities, where the complexity and volume of air traffic justify higher wages. Factors such as facility type, certification status, and shift differentials all influence compensation. For example, positions at en route Level 12 facilities command higher salaries than those at Level 7 tower locations. Controllers can maximize their pay by seeking development into certified professional controller (CPC) status and leveraging mandatory overtime, which is frequently available due to ongoing understaffing challenges across the sector.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 $156,687 for air traffic controllersin the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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