Air Traffic Controller Salary in Needham, MA: $161,918 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Needham, MA earns a median $161,918/year (≈ $77.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Needham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $149,233 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Needham, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $161,918, which reflects a 6.60% increase compared to the national median of $151,886. Local estimates, derived from BLS state-level data, indicate a salary range from $93,912 at the 10th percentile to as much as $226,462 at the 90th percentile. This variance underscores the potential for significant earning capacity in Needham, especially considering the developmental process that many controllers undergo on their way to Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, which typically takes one to three years to achieve full pay. As the air traffic controller pay landscape continues to evolve, the competitive compensation levels in Needham suggest that the market is robust for those entering the field.
About the Needham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,912 | $45.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,581 | $56.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $161,918 | $77.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $204,946 | $98.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $226,462 | $108.88 |
Median Salary Position
6.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Needham
In Needham, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,550 (2026 est.). At $161,918, the local median is 6.6% above the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Needham: You'd be above the median
How Needham Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Needham median: $161,918/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Needham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,718 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +6.60% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Needham, MA earn a median of $161,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.60% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,718.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Needham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Needham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $161,918 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,233 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$131,114
2025 BLS Actual
$157,861
2026 Current Est.
$161,918
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,114 | Actual |
| 2020 | $139,035 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,985 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,454 | Actual |
| 2024 | $162,039 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,861 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,918 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $166,079 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Needham metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $131,114 (2019) to $157,861 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $166,079 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,965 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Needham 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) | $93,912 – $116,581 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,581 – $161,918 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $161,918 – $204,946 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $204,946 – $226,462 |
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 Needham
In Needham, there are currently six employed air traffic controllers, which speaks to a localized job market that may be constrained compared to larger metropolitan areas. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, slightly above the national average, impacting the effective purchasing power of salaries. Employers such as FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach controls tend to offer higher compensation packages, driven by the complexity of their operations. Factors influencing pay dispersion include facility classification, CPC certification, shift differentials, and overtime opportunities, which can lead to substantial income supplements for those willing to work during unsociable hours. For controllers in this competitive environment, leveraging specialized skills, seeking positions at high-tier facilities, and maximizing available overtime can significantly enhance earning potential in Needham, MA.
More salary data for Needham, 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 $157,861 for air traffic controllersin the Needham 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 Needham 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