Air Traffic Controller Salary in Springfield, MA: $166,198 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Springfield, MA earns a median $166,198/year (≈ $79.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Springfield's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $153,178 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Springfield, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $166,198 in 2026. This figure represents a competitive pay level, above the national median of $151,886, showcasing Springfield's robust job market for this profession. The salary range for controllers in the area stretches from $96,395 at the 10th percentile to as high as $250,859 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for the local cost of living, reflect the unique economic conditions in Springfield. Factors such as certification status and facility type greatly influence compensation, highlighting the importance of understanding local job dynamics for aspiring controllers.
About the Springfield Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,395 | $46.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,662 | $57.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $166,198 | $79.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $212,734 | $102.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $250,859 | $120.60 |
Median Salary Position
9.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springfield
In Springfield, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $154,464 (2026 est.). At $166,198, the local median is 9.42% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Springfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Springfield Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Springfield median: $166,198/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Springfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,716 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +9.42% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Springfield, MA earn a median of $166,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.42% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% above the Massachusetts state average of $164,716.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Springfield has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Springfield, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $166,198 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,178 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,070
2025 BLS Actual
$162,034
2026 Current Est.
$166,198
2019–2027 Growth
+93.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,323 | Actual |
| 2025 | $162,034 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $166,198 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,470 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Springfield metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 84.0% from $88,070 (2019) to $162,034 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $170,470 by 2027 — a total increase of $82,400 (93.56%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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) | $96,395 – $119,662 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,662 – $166,198 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $166,198 – $212,734 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $212,734 – $250,859 |
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 Springfield
In Springfield, 31 air traffic controllers are employed, indicating a focused job market. The local cost of living index stands at 108.5, suggesting that while salaries are higher than average, purchasing power may be impacted by the relatively elevated living costs. Among the major employers in the region, FAA facilities, such as airport traffic control towers and terminal radar approach control, offer varying salary scales largely influenced by the facility's operational level. Controllers can enhance their earnings through shift differentials, ample overtime, and securing positions at en route centers, which typically offer higher wages than lower-tier facilities. Aspiring controllers should seek FAA certification pathways through CTI programs, military experience, or off-the-street hiring to maximize their earning potential. Understanding the nuances of air traffic controller pay in Springfield, MA, can help job seekers make informed decisions in their career pursuits.
More salary data for Springfield, 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 $162,034 for air traffic controllersin the Springfield 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 Springfield 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