Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Taunton, MA: $238,861 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Taunton, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $238,861/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Taunton's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $220,148 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
In Taunton, Massachusetts, senior air traffic controllers with significant experience can expect a promising salary trajectory, especially as they reach top-tier earnings. The 2026 projections indicate a striking potential for experienced professionals, with salaries climbing to $238,861 at the 90th percentile and a solid median annual salary of $162,398. This median represents a notable increase when compared to the national median of $151,886, showcasing a 6.92% advantage for those working in Taunton. Achieving this high compensation level typically requires a deep commitment to professional development, including mastering complex airspace management, obtaining specialized certifications, and notable experience in various facility types.
About the Taunton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Taunton
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Taunton earn between $207,869 and $238,861 per year (2026 est.). This $144,670 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Taunton median of $162,398 sits 6.92% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Taunton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $162,398 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $207,869 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $238,861 | $221,151 |
In Taunton, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 47.08% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Taunton
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $162,398 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Taunton employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Taunton command premium compensation, often reaching the $207,869–$238,861 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Taunton 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 Taunton 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 Taunton
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTaunton ranks #17 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $238,861).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Taunton ($238,861) is 2.7% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).
2019 BLS Actual
$190,440
2025 BLS Actual
$232,876
2026 Current Est.
$238,861
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Taunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $190,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $199,577 | Actual |
| 2021 | $200,884 | Actual |
| 2022 | $204,999 | Actual |
| 2023 | $217,085 | Actual |
| 2024 | $238,924 | Actual |
| 2025 | $232,876 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $238,861 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $245,000 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Taunton saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $190,440 in 2019 to $232,876 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 $245,000 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Taunton 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 Taunton
A variety of factors contribute to the lucrative senior air traffic controller pay in MA, specifically for those who specialize in high-demand areas. Positions like en route controllers in ARTCC facilities command substantial salaries, often due to the complexities associated with managing high-altitude traffic. Similarly, terminal radar controllers at TRACONs overseeing traffic within a 50-mile radius of major airports, and roles in visual flight rules towers also offer competitive pay. Differences in employer types further influence compensation, with FAA facilities typically providing higher salaries than contract towers. Trajectories for advancement are well-defined within this profession, allowing controllers to progress from developmental roles through to management positions, and certifications can significantly boost pay. Additionally, benefits such as shift differentials, locality pay, and opportunities for overtime—and the ongoing demand for qualified professionals due to workforce shortages—further enhance the overall compensation package for senior air traffic controllers in Taunton.
More salary data for Taunton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Taunton in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Taunton?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Taunton?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Taunton?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Taunton?
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 $232,876 for air traffic controllers in the Taunton 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 Taunton 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