Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fall River, MA: $239,883 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Fall River, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $239,883/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Fall River's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $221,090 in average-cost America. The 47% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Top-tier compensation for experienced air traffic controllers in Fall River, Massachusetts, reflects both a robust local pay structure and regional demand for skilled professionals. In 2026, senior air traffic controllers can anticipate a median annual salary of $162,685, with the potential to earn up to $239,883 for the highest earners, illustrating a significant experience premium that sets apart those with 7+ years in the field. The disparity between the median and the highest salaries underscores the potential for substantial earnings growth, particularly for those who attain specialized positions or leadership roles. To reach this elite tier of income, controllers often advance through a structured career path, emphasizing continuous professional development and gaining expertise in high-demand areas.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fall River
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Fall River earn between $208,238 and $239,883 per year (2026 est.). This $145,526 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Fall River median of $162,685 sits 7.11% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Fall River | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $162,685 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $208,238 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $239,883 | $221,151 |
In Fall River, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 47.45% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Fall River
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $162,685 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Fall River employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Fall River command premium compensation, often reaching the $208,238–$239,883 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Fall River 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 Fall River 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 Fall River
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFall River ranks #12 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $239,883).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Fall River ($239,883) is 3.14% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).
2019 BLS Actual
$191,254
2025 BLS Actual
$233,872
2026 Current Est.
$239,883
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $191,254 | Actual |
| 2020 | $200,431 | Actual |
| 2021 | $201,743 | Actual |
| 2022 | $205,876 | Actual |
| 2023 | $218,014 | Actual |
| 2024 | $239,945 | Actual |
| 2025 | $233,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $239,883 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $246,047 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Fall River saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $191,254 in 2019 to $233,872 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 $246,047 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River 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 Fall River
In Fall River, various specializations such as en route/radar control, terminal radar, and traffic management coordination drive higher salaries, making these roles particularly lucrative for senior air traffic controllers. Establishing a strong compensation trajectory often depends on the type of employer as well. FAA en route centers and TRACON facilities typically offer better pay than airport tower positions due to the complexity and volume of air traffic managed. Furthermore, a strategic career advancement path—from developmental controller to operations supervisor or ATC manager—enhances the potential for increased compensation. Higher education, certifications, and specialized training can also result in elevated salary figures. In addition, factors such as shift differentials, locality pay, and overtime opportunities further amplify earnings, particularly in a market like Fall River, where the demand for experienced professionals remains strong amidst ongoing staffing shortages.
More salary data for Fall River, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Fall River in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Fall River?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Fall River?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Fall River?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Fall River?
Related Pages
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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
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 $233,872 for air traffic controllers in the Fall River 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 Fall River 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