Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Stoughton, MA: $222,466 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Stoughton, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $222,466/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Stoughton's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $205,038 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior air traffic controllers working in Stoughton, Massachusetts, have the potential to earn substantial salaries, especially at the top tier where the 2026 projections indicate a remarkable salary of $222,466, with the 75th percentile earning around $200,907. These figures suggest that Stoughton’s most experienced professionals can expect salaries that surpass the national averages; the median for experienced air traffic controller salary in Stoughton stands at $157,749, clearly distinguishing a significant pay gap between median and top-tier earnings. Achieving these top salaries generally requires extensive experience in specialized roles, where controllers have honed their skills managing complex air traffic operations, significantly enhancing their market value.
About the Stoughton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stoughton
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Stoughton earn between $200,907 and $222,466 per year (2026 est.). This $130,972 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Stoughton median of $157,749 sits 3.86% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Stoughton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $157,749 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $200,907 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $222,466 | $221,151 |
In Stoughton, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 41.03% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Stoughton
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $157,749 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Stoughton employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Stoughton command premium compensation, often reaching the $200,907–$222,466 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Stoughton 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 Stoughton 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 Stoughton
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedStoughton ranks #48 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $222,466).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Stoughton ($222,466) is 4.35% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).
2019 BLS Actual
$177,368
2025 BLS Actual
$216,892
2026 Current Est.
$222,466
2019–2027 Growth
+28.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Stoughton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $177,368 | Actual |
| 2020 | $185,879 | Actual |
| 2021 | $187,096 | Actual |
| 2022 | $190,929 | Actual |
| 2023 | $202,185 | Actual |
| 2024 | $222,524 | Actual |
| 2025 | $216,892 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $222,466 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $228,184 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Stoughton saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $177,368 in 2019 to $216,892 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 $228,184 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stoughton 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 Stoughton
Several factors contribute to the impressive compensation of senior air traffic controllers in Stoughton. Those who specialize in high-demand areas such as en route or radar traffic management, terminal radar (TRACON), and military ATC often receive higher salaries due to the complexities involved in these roles. The type of employer significantly impacts pay as well; while FAA en route centers and TRACON facilities typically offer superior compensation, positions in military ATC may follow different pay structures, and smaller FAA contract towers tend to offer lower salaries. Advancement through the ranks—from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC) and beyond—offers lucrative opportunities. Senior professionals may also benefit from additional compensation through overtime, shift differentials, and locality pay adjustments, bolstering their overall remuneration in this competitive field. Earning advanced credentials, completing rigorous training, and maintaining adherence to FAA standards are critical for achieving the highest levels of compensation in this essential industry.
More salary data for Stoughton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Stoughton in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Stoughton?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Stoughton?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Stoughton?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Stoughton?
Related Pages
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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 $216,892 for air traffic controllers in the Stoughton 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 Stoughton 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