Air Traffic Controller Salary in Woburn, MA: $156,790 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Woburn, MA earns a median $156,790/year (≈ $75.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Woburn's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $144,507 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woburn, Massachusetts, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $156,790 in 2026, positioning them slightly above the national average of $151,886. The salary range varies significantly, from a projected $90,938 at the 10th percentile to $219,678 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the different facility tiers and corresponding pay levels. Controllers working at en route Level 12 facilities typically earn the highest salaries, while those in terminal and tower operations may see lower pay. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional pricing, indicate a robust local market for air traffic controllers, particularly given the ongoing staffing shortages and increasing demand for air traffic services.
About the Woburn Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,938 | $43.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,889 | $54.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $156,790 | $75.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $198,337 | $95.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,678 | $105.62 |
Median Salary Position
3.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Woburn
In Woburn, MA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,740 (2026 est.). At $156,790, the local median is 3.23% above the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Woburn: You'd be above the median
How Woburn Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Woburn median: $156,790/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Woburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $164,868 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +3.23% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Woburn, MA earn a median of $156,790 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.23% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,868.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Woburn has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Woburn, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $156,790 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $144,507 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$126,961
2025 BLS Actual
$152,861
2026 Current Est.
$156,790
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Woburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,961 | Actual |
| 2020 | $134,631 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,939 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,816 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,907 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,861 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,790 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,819 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Woburn metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $126,961 (2019) to $152,861 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,819 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,858 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woburn 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) | $90,938 – $112,889 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,889 – $156,790 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $156,790 – $198,337 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $198,337 – $219,678 |
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 Woburn
With only 10 air traffic controllers employed in Woburn, the local job market remains competitive, particularly within the context of a cost-of-living index of 108.5, which exceeds the national average. This elevated cost of living directly impacts take-home pay, making it essential for controllers to seek positions at higher-paying employers, such as FAA en route centers and terminal control facilities, to enhance their earnings. Factors driving the salary disparities include facility classification, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and abundant overtime opportunities. Controllers can maximize their air traffic controller pay in Woburn, MA, by considering roles at facilities that offer lucrative overtime and understanding the nuances of compensation related to their positions while being mindful of industry trends like the mandatory retirement at age 56 that influences career trajectories.
More salary data for Woburn, 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 $152,861 for air traffic controllersin the Woburn 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 Woburn 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