Air Traffic Controller Salary in Northampton, MA: $157,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Northampton, MA earns a median $157,736/year (≈ $75.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Northampton's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $145,379 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northampton, Massachusetts, the 2026 median annual salary for air traffic controllers is projected to reach $157,736, slightly exceeding the national median of $151,886 by approximately 3.85%. This competitive salary is complemented by a salary range that fluctuates from $91,487 at the lower tenth percentile to $222,817 at the upper ninetieth percentile. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, reflecting regional cost adjustments, indicate that controllers in this area can expect compensation reflective of their facility tier; en route controllers at high-altitude facilities generally command the highest pay compared to their counterparts in terminal or tower facilities. As Northampton's local aviation demands continue to evolve, the opportunities within air traffic control appear promising, particularly given the substantial salary potential.
About the Northampton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,487 | $43.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,543 | $55.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,736 | $75.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $200,637 | $96.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,817 | $107.12 |
Median Salary Position
3.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northampton
In Northampton, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,330 (2026 est.). At $157,736, the local median is 3.85% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northampton: You'd be above the median
How Northampton Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Northampton median: $157,736/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northampton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,824 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +3.85% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Northampton, MA earn a median of $157,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.85% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,824.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northampton has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Northampton, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,736 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $145,379 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,728
2025 BLS Actual
$153,784
2026 Current Est.
$157,736
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Northampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,728 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,444 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,748 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,344 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,672 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,854 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,784 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,790 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northampton metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $127,728 (2019) to $153,784 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,790 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,062 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northampton 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) | $91,487 – $114,543 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,543 – $157,736 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,736 – $200,637 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $200,637 – $222,817 |
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 Northampton
The local job market supports a small but significant number of air traffic controllers, with only six currently employed in Northampton. This limited workforce, paired with the city’s cost of living index of 108.5, suggests that controllers may experience compressed take-home purchasing power despite strong salaries. Among various employment options, FAA en route centers, particularly those managing high-altitude traffic, typically offer the highest pay rates, although terminal and tower facilities also contribute to career growth. Pay variations stem from multiple factors, including facility level, certification status, shift differentials, and mandatory overtime—elements that can notably influence monthly earnings. For those seeking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Northampton, understanding these dynamics and pursuing positions at en route facilities or obtaining CPC certification can be advantageous as demand for air traffic management continues amidst a broader staffing shortage.
More salary data for Northampton, 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 $153,784 for air traffic controllersin the Northampton 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 Northampton 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