Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Somerville, MA: $238,960 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Somerville, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $238,960/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Somerville's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $220,240 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $167,044 in 2026 for experienced air traffic controllers in Somerville, Massachusetts, the potential for financial gain in this profession is significant. Top earners, represented by the 90th percentile (P90), can command salaries as high as $238,960, reflecting a substantial gap between median compensation and the highest tiers of pay. This notable distance illustrates the premium associated with accumulating experience, typically seven years or more, and advancing through certifications and responsibilities. Achieving this level of compensation requires consistent performance and often necessitates specializations, such as en route radar or traffic management coordination, that provide access to the highest salary brackets in the region.
About the Somerville Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Somerville
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Somerville earn between $213,156 and $238,960 per year (2026 est.). This $142,074 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Somerville median of $167,044 sits 9.98% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Somerville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $167,044 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $213,156 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $238,960 | $221,151 |
In Somerville, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.05% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Somerville
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $167,044 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Somerville employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Somerville command premium compensation, often reaching the $213,156–$238,960 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Somerville 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 Somerville 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 Somerville
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSomerville ranks #16 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $238,960).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Somerville ($238,960) is 2.75% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).
2019 BLS Actual
$190,519
2025 BLS Actual
$232,973
2026 Current Est.
$238,960
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $190,519 | Actual |
| 2020 | $199,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $200,968 | Actual |
| 2022 | $205,085 | Actual |
| 2023 | $217,176 | Actual |
| 2024 | $239,019 | Actual |
| 2025 | $232,973 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $238,960 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $245,102 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Somerville saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $190,519 in 2019 to $232,973 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 $245,102 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Somerville 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 Somerville
Compensation for senior air traffic controllers in Somerville is also influenced by the type of employer, with roles in FAA en route centers or terminal radar approach control facilities generally offering higher salaries. Controllers working at these locations may find that salaries fluctuate based on factors like type of facility tier—where Level 12 en route centers outpace Level 7 airport control towers. Advancement pathways are relatively well-defined, allowing controllers to transition from developmental roles to certified professional controllers and beyond, with opportunities to become traffic management coordinators or facility managers. In addition to traditional salary metrics, factors such as overtime pay, shift differentials, and locality premiums add to the overall pay package. Obtaining advanced credentials and continuing education further enhances earning potential, making it essential for seasoned professionals in the air traffic control field to remain adaptable to market demands in Somerville and across MA.
More salary data for Somerville, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Somerville in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Somerville?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Somerville?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Somerville?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Somerville?
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 $232,973 for air traffic controllers in the Somerville 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 Somerville 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