Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Billerica, MA: $229,027 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Billerica, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $229,027/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Billerica's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $211,085 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Billerica, Massachusetts, senior air traffic controllers can anticipate competitive compensation reflective of their expertise, with median earnings projected at $159,590 for 2026. The earning potential for top-tier professionals reaches as high as $229,027, which showcases a substantial experience premium compared to the median figure. This stark contrast highlights the significant rewards tied to years of dedication and proficiency in the field, especially crucial in a market where the demand for experienced personnel is robust. Achieving this level of pay demands not only extensive on-the-job experience but also a deep mastery of various air traffic control operations, which include en route and terminal radar responsibilities, along with a strong track record of performance in high-pressure environments.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billerica
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Billerica earn between $204,274 and $229,027 per year (2026 est.). This $136,465 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Billerica median of $159,590 sits 5.07% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Billerica | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $159,590 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $204,274 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $229,027 | $221,151 |
In Billerica, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Billerica
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $159,590 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Billerica employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Billerica command premium compensation, often reaching the $204,274–$229,027 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Billerica metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Billerica with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Billerica
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBillerica ranks #30 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $229,027).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Billerica ($229,027) is 1.53% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).
2019 BLS Actual
$182,599
2025 BLS Actual
$223,288
2026 Current Est.
$229,027
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Billerica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $182,599 | Actual |
| 2020 | $191,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $192,613 | Actual |
| 2022 | $196,559 | Actual |
| 2023 | $208,147 | Actual |
| 2024 | $229,087 | Actual |
| 2025 | $223,288 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $229,027 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $234,912 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Billerica saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $182,599 in 2019 to $223,288 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $234,912 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Billerica
In terms of specialization, Billerica's market rewards controllers adept in areas such as en route/radar, terminal radar (TRACON), or those serving as traffic management coordinators (TMC). Each of these roles tends to command premium salaries, recognizing the complex skills and additional responsibilities required. Compensation may also vary significantly depending on employer type; for instance, controllers at FAA en route centers often enjoy higher pay scales compared to those in airport towers or military positions, reflecting the intricacies of managing high-altitude traffic versus terminal operations. Career advancement pathways are well-defined, moving from developmental controller roles up to traffic management coordinators and management positions. Advanced credentials such as CPC certification, proficiency testing, and ongoing FAA training further enhance earning potential. Senior controllers benefit from additional compensation through shift differentials and overtime, particularly in response to persistent staffing needs within the FAA, making Billerica's air traffic controller salaries some of the most attractive in MA.
More salary data for Billerica, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Billerica in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Billerica?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Billerica?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Billerica?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Billerica?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $223,288 for air traffic controllers in the Billerica metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billerica 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