Air Traffic Controller Salary in Malden, MA: $165,321 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Malden, MA earns a median $165,321/year (≈ $79.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Malden's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $152,370 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Malden, Massachusetts, can anticipate a median annual salary of $165,321, reflecting the competitive nature of the air traffic control field. With salaries ranging significantly from $95,887 at the low end to $239,034 for the top earners, compensation varies based on the facility type—whether en route, terminal, or tower. These projections are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors, indicating that Malden's pay is about 8.85% higher than the national median of $151,886. For controllers positioned in FAA en route centers, they are likely to command higher salaries compared to those working at terminal or tower facilities. This salary information sheds light on Malden's labor market dynamics, driven by the demand for qualified personnel in a field facing chronic understaffing.
About the Malden Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,887 | $46.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,031 | $57.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,321 | $79.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $211,611 | $101.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $239,034 | $114.92 |
Median Salary Position
8.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Malden
In Malden, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $143,147 (2026 est.). At $165,321, the local median is 8.85% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Malden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Malden Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Malden median: $165,321/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Malden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,827 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +8.85% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Malden, MA earn a median of $165,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.85% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $164,827.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Malden has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Malden, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $165,321 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,370 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$133,870
2025 BLS Actual
$161,179
2026 Current Est.
$165,321
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Malden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $141,957 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,228 | Actual |
| 2022 | $143,949 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,532 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,446 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,179 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,321 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,570 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Malden metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $133,870 (2019) to $161,179 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $169,570 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,700 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Malden 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) | $95,887 – $119,031 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,031 – $165,321 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,321 – $211,611 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $211,611 – $239,034 |
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 Malden
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Malden employs around 15 professionals, highlighting a niche but vital community in air traffic management. With the cost of living index sitting at 108.5, controllers should consider how their salaries translate to purchasing power in the area. Employers such as FAA en route centers, which manage high-altitude traffic, typically offer the most lucrative positions. Factors contributing to pay disparities include the tier of the facility, Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, shift differentials, and the prospect of overtime—common in today’s staffing environment. To maximize earnings specifically in Malden, aspiring controllers should focus on gaining CPC certification and express a willingness to work night and holiday shifts, where pay can increase significantly.
More salary data for Malden, 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 $161,179 for air traffic controllersin the Malden 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 Malden 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