Air Traffic Controller Salary in Westfield, MA: $161,841 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Westfield, MA earns a median $161,841/year (≈ $77.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Westfield's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $149,162 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Westfield, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $161,841. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $151,886, indicating a favorable compensation environment in the area. Salary ranges for these professionals vary significantly, with the lowest earners making around $93,868 and the highest earning up to $220,979. Estimates for these salaries are derived from BLS state-level data, combined with regional price adjustments. The pay for air traffic controllers can differ based on their facility tier; en route controllers generally have higher salaries compared to those in terminal or tower facilities. This dynamic highlights the importance of understanding one's work environment when considering air traffic controller pay in Westfield, MA.
About the Westfield Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,868 | $45.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,526 | $56.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $161,841 | $77.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $201,206 | $96.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220,979 | $106.24 |
Median Salary Position
6.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westfield
In Westfield, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,111 (2026 est.). At $161,841, the local median is 6.55% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westfield: You'd be above the median
How Westfield Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Westfield median: $161,841/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,808 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +6.55% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Westfield, MA earn a median of $161,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.55% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.80% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,808.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westfield has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westfield, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $161,841 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,162 — a 7.83% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$131,051
2025 BLS Actual
$157,786
2026 Current Est.
$161,841
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Westfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,051 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,968 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,255 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,918 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,385 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,962 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,786 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,841 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $166,000 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westfield metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $131,051 (2019) to $157,786 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $166,000 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,949 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westfield 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) | $93,868 – $116,526 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,526 – $161,841 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $161,841 – $201,206 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $201,206 – $220,979 |
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 Westfield
Currently, Westfield employs nine air traffic controllers, reflecting a smaller yet concentrated job market for this profession. The local cost of living index sits at 108.5, slightly above the national average, which can impact the take-home purchasing power of those in the field. Among the employers in the area, FAA en route centers tend to offer the most competitive pay, followed by terminal radar approach control facilities and airport traffic control towers. Factors influencing the wide salary spread include the type of facility, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and opportunities for overtime. Controllers with additional certifications or those willing to work night shifts or holidays can significantly enhance their earnings. For those looking to maximize pay in the Westfield market, gaining experience in high-demand areas, pursuing professional certifications, and being flexible with shifts can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Westfield, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Westfield, MA in 2026?
Is Westfield, MA a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Westfield?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Westfield?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Westfield?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $157,786 for air traffic controllersin the Westfield 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 Westfield 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