Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Woburn, MA: $219,678 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Woburn, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $219,678/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Woburn's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $202,468 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woburn, Massachusetts, the potential for experienced air traffic controllers to achieve significant compensation is considerable, with senior-level earnings projected to hit as much as $219,678 in 2026. Such figures place Woburn's top earners above national benchmarks, enhancing the city's reputation as an attractive location for seasoned professionals in the field. The disparity in salaries reveals a substantial experience premium; while the median annual salary stands at $156,790, those at the higher end of the pay scale cash in not only on their extensive expertise but also on strategic career advancements. Achieving top-tier pay in Woburn typically requires a combination of specialized skills, such as managing en route traffic or serving as a traffic management coordinator, along with a robust track record of performance in demanding environments.
About the Woburn Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Woburn
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Woburn earn between $198,337 and $219,678 per year (2026 est.). This $128,740 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Woburn median of $156,790 sits 3.23% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Woburn | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $156,790 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $198,337 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $219,678 | $221,151 |
In Woburn, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 40.11% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Woburn
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $156,790 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Woburn employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Woburn command premium compensation, often reaching the $198,337–$219,678 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Woburn 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 Woburn 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 Woburn
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWoburn ranks #52 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $219,678).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Woburn ($219,678) is 5.55% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).
2019 BLS Actual
$175,146
2025 BLS Actual
$214,174
2026 Current Est.
$219,678
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Woburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $175,146 | Actual |
| 2020 | $183,549 | Actual |
| 2021 | $184,751 | Actual |
| 2022 | $188,536 | Actual |
| 2023 | $199,651 | Actual |
| 2024 | $219,734 | Actual |
| 2025 | $214,174 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $219,678 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $225,324 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Woburn saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $175,146 in 2019 to $214,174 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 $225,324 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woburn 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 Woburn
Compensation for senior air traffic controllers in Woburn varies significantly based on specialization and employer type, with the highest premiums often paid to those in en route and radar roles. Positions within FAA En Route Centers, managing high-altitude air traffic, typically command the highest pay due to the complexity and responsibility involved. In contrast, controllers at smaller contract towers may not reach the same salary levels. Career advancement opportunities abound, from progressing from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC) and further toward roles like operations supervisor or facility manager, especially for those who transition from military ATC to FAA civilian positions. Pursuing advanced credentials, especially degrees or additional certifications, can further enhance earning potential. Factors such as shift differentials, overtime, and locality pay also significantly impact overall compensation, making Woburn's senior air traffic controller pay competitive and appealing.
More salary data for Woburn, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Woburn in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Woburn?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Woburn?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Woburn?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Woburn?
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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 $214,174 for air traffic controllers in the Woburn 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 Woburn 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