Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Medford, MA: $240,425 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Medford, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $240,425/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Medford's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $221,590 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Medford, Massachusetts, senior air traffic controllers can expect a lucrative salary trajectory, especially for top earners who can reach a P90 of $240,425 in 2026. This figure significantly surpasses the national average for experienced air traffic controller salaries, which is projected at $151,886 for the same year. The gap between the median salary of $162,841 and the high end of the pay scale reflects the premium placed on seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills. Achieving such compensation requires not only a solid foundation in air traffic control operations but also advancement through complex training and certifications, often culminating in leadership positions within the field.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medford
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Medford earn between $206,448 and $240,425 per year (2026 est.). This $145,978 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Medford median of $162,841 sits 7.21% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Medford | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $162,841 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $206,448 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $240,425 | $221,151 |
In Medford, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 47.64% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Medford
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $162,841 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Medford employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Medford command premium compensation, often reaching the $206,448–$240,425 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Medford 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 Medford 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 Medford
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMedford ranks #11 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $240,425).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Medford ($240,425) is 3.38% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).
2019 BLS Actual
$191,687
2025 BLS Actual
$234,401
2026 Current Est.
$240,425
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $191,687 | Actual |
| 2020 | $200,884 | Actual |
| 2021 | $202,200 | Actual |
| 2022 | $206,342 | Actual |
| 2023 | $218,507 | Actual |
| 2024 | $240,489 | Actual |
| 2025 | $234,401 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $240,425 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $246,604 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Medford saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $191,687 in 2019 to $234,401 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 $246,604 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
Several factors contribute to the attractive senior air traffic controller pay in MA, particularly in Medford. Specialized roles, such as en route/radar positions, command the highest wages, followed by opportunities in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and airport traffic control towers. Employment type also plays a significant role, as FAA en route centers typically offer higher salaries compared to military or contract towers. Senior professionals often advance through structured career paths, moving from developmental controllers to certified professional controllers (CPC) and eventually to operations supervisors and facility managers. Additional credentials, along with required training and recurrent evaluations, can bolster earning potential. Non-salary compensation, including shift differentials and overtime options, further enhances the overall financial package that controllers can achieve in Medford, presenting a lucrative career option for those dedicated to air traffic management.
More salary data for Medford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Medford in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Medford?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Medford?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Medford?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Medford?
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 $234,401 for air traffic controllers in the Medford 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 Medford 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