Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Everett, MA: $93,853 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Everett, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,853 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Everett's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,500 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($161,815) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the field of air traffic control in Everett, Massachusetts, can expect a starting salary of approximately $93,853 in 2026. While this entry-level figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $161,815 for air traffic controllers in the city, it presents a clear pathway for growth. New controllers might see their salaries rise to around $116,507 as they reach the 25th percentile, setting the stage for earnings that align more closely with the median over their first three to five years in the profession. Everett's current climate appears to favor new graduates, particularly with the profession's projected growth rate of 2.57% annually, making it a viable market for aspiring air traffic controllers.
About the Everett Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Everett
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Everett
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Everett, MA typically start between $93,853 and $116,507 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $142,335 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $161,815 — 6.54% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Massachusetts of $68,000 represents just 72.45% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($93,853/year) in Everett. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Everett
- 1Research the Everett market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $93,853 to $116,507, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Everett, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Everett for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Everett's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Everett is $142,335 ( 151.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,853, experienced hygienists can earn up to $236,188.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$79,728
2025 BLS Actual
$91,501
2026 Current Est.
$93,853
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Everett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,728 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,897 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,865 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,899 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,923 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,501 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,853 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,265 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Everett, MA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $79,728 in 2019 to $91,501 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $96,265. New graduates entering the Everett job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Everett 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Everett
For those interested in pursuing a role in air traffic control, Everett offers several avenues for entry-level employment. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) typically hires through public bid windows for off-the-street announcements and also partners with select universities in the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. Candidates must meet specific criteria, including being U.S. citizens and under the age of 31, unless they are military veterans. To enhance their starting pay in Massachusetts, new hires should focus on obtaining the required credentials, such as a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, and undergoing facility-specific training. New air traffic controllers on the FG pay scale can realistically anticipate salary growth over the first few years, with opportunities for progression and overtime, especially in high-demand facilities. As controllers face a mandatory retirement age of 56, the industry is actively seeking fresh talent to ensure sustained operational efficiency.
More salary data for Everett, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Everett. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Everett 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