Air Traffic Controller Salary in Salem, MA: $158,785 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Salem, MA earns a median $158,785/year (≈ $76.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Salem's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $146,346 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Salem, Massachusetts can expect a median annual salary of $158,785, which is competitive compared to the national figure of $151,886—making it 4.54% higher. The salary range in the area varies significantly, with earnings stretching from $92,095 for those at the lower end to as much as $231,543 for highly experienced controllers. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price differences, highlighting the financial potential for air traffic controllers despite the challenges of chronic understaffing affecting many facilities. For those in Salem, the combination of overtime opportunities and extended shift hours commonly results in earnings that surpass the standard pay, reflecting a persistent need for skilled employees in this field.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,095 | $44.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,605 | $56.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,785 | $76.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $197,362 | $94.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $231,543 | $111.32 |
Median Salary Position
4.54% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $139,448 (2026 est.). At $158,785, the local median is 4.54% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Salem median: $158,785/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,714 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +4.54% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Salem, MA earn a median of $158,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.54% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,714.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,785 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,346 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,576
2025 BLS Actual
$154,806
2026 Current Est.
$158,785
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,576 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,344 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,643 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,257 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,904 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,806 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,785 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,865 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $128,576 (2019) to $154,806 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,865 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,289 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $92,095 – $116,605 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,605 – $158,785 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,785 – $197,362 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $197,362 – $231,543 |
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 Salem
Looking beyond base salaries, Salem’s cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating a higher-than-average expense for everyday living which can impact overall take-home pay. Currently, there are only 8 air traffic controllers employed in the city, creating a unique job market with opportunities for advancement. Among the various employers in the region, FAA en route centers tend to offer the most lucrative pay, particularly for certified Professional Controllers (CPCs). Factors contributing to salary variations include the facility grade, with en route operations being the highest paid, as well as the potential for significant overtime, shift differentials, and locality pay that can enhance earnings notably. Controllers keen on maximizing their salaries in Salem should prioritize attaining CPC certification and be open to overtime shifts, particularly during critical traffic periods, as these options can significantly boost financial compensation in this relatively small market.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $154,806 for air traffic controllersin the Salem 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 Salem 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