Air Traffic Controller Salary

Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Everett, MA: $236,188 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Everett, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $236,188/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Everett's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $217,685 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$236,188
Top 10% Earn
$113.56/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$201,267
75th Percentile
$236,188
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Senior Salary in Everett, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Everett, MA air traffic controller senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the compensation for senior air traffic controllers in Everett, Massachusetts, reflects a growing trend in the aviation sector, particularly for those with significant experience. The top earners in this area, projected to achieve salaries as high as $236,188, represent the pinnacle of the profession. With a median annual salary hovering around $161,815, this creates a pronounced salary gap that exemplifies the experience premium inherent in the role. Attaining such high pay requires not just years of service but expertise in complex traffic scenarios, as well as advanced certifications and a proven track record in leadership positions. For seasoned controllers, strategic career moves, such as transition to specialized roles or supervisory positions, can lead to enhanced earning potential and comprehensive responsibility in managing high-stakes air traffic operations.

About the Everett Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Everett

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Everett. The median salary is $161,815, compared to the national median of $151,886.$84.5K$125.4K$166.2K$207.1K$248.0K$93.9K10th Pctl$116.5K25th Pctl$161.8KMedian$201.3K75th Pctl$236.2K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Everett earn between $201,267 and $236,188 per year (2026 est.). This $142,335 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Everett median of $161,815 sits 6.54% above the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of air traffic controller pay in the Everett metro area.

Top ATC Salary Comparison

LevelEverettNational
Median (P50)$161,815$151,886
75th Percentile$201,267$195,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$236,188$221,151

In Everett, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 45.96% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Everett

1

Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts

MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $161,815 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Everett employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Everett command premium compensation, often reaching the $201,267–$236,188 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Everett metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Everett with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

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 Everett

Clinical Air Traffic Controller

0-5 years
$93,853 – $161,815

Senior/Lead Air Traffic Controller

5-10 years
$161,815 – $201,267

Air Traffic Controller Department Manager

10+ years
$201,267+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Everett ranks #20 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $236,188).

Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Everett ($236,188) is 1.55% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).

2019 BLS Actual

$188,309

2025 BLS Actual

$230,270

2026 Current Est.

$236,188

2019–2027 Growth

+28.6%

Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Everett (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Everett. Baseline $188,309 in 2025, projected to $242,258 by 2027.$177.5K$196.4K$215.3K$234.2K$253.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$188.3K$197.3K$198.6K$202.7K$214.7K$236.3K$230.3K$236.2K$242.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$188,309Actual
2020$197,344Actual
2021$198,636Actual
2022$202,705Actual
2023$214,656Actual
2024$236,253Actual
2025$230,270Actual
2026(current)$236,188Estimated
2027$242,258Projected

Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Everett saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $188,309 in 2019 to $230,270 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 $242,258 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Everett metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Everett

Senior air traffic controller pay in MA varies significantly according to specialized skills and the type of employing agency. In Everett, controllers focused on en route or radar operations typically command the highest salaries, with positions like Traffic Management Coordinator (TMC) and advanced military air traffic roles also yielding notable compensation. Additionally, pay disparities exist based on whether one is employed by the FAA or through federal contracts; en route centers often offer the most lucrative packages compared to smaller airport facilities. For those on the career advancement track, there are robust options for moving up through the ranks, such as progressing from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC), eventually advancing to management positions. Enhanced credentials through FAA training and ongoing education not only solidify job security but also significantly impact salary. Moreover, factors like shift differentials, substantial overtime opportunities due to the industry’s chronic understaffing, and locality pay amplify overall compensation, providing a compelling incentive for those dedicated to the air traffic control field in Everett, MA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Everett in 2026?

Top-earning air traffic controllers in Everett (90th percentile) make $236,188/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is $74,373 more than the area median of $161,815 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior air traffic controllers typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Everett?

Higher air traffic controller pay in Everett is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Everett?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for air traffic controllers in Everett include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $161,815, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Everett?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Everett is $236,188, well above $100K. Air Traffic Controllers with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Everett?

In Everett, the gap between entry level ($93,853) and top earners ($236,188) is $142,335, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Massachusetts

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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 $230,270 for air traffic controllers in the Everett 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 Everett is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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