Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Framingham, MA: $95,803 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Framingham, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $95,803 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Framingham's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,298 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($165,178) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the air traffic control field in Framingham, Massachusetts, the starting air traffic controller salary is projected to be around $95,803 in 2026. While this entry-level figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $165,178 for the city, it presents a robust foundation for career progression. Over the first three to five years, early-career controllers can expect to see their salaries rise as they gain experience, moving from the entry level to the 25th percentile salary of $118,928. This upward trajectory highlights Framingham as a favorable market for newcomers, particularly in a field that offers demand-driven compensation growth, aligning with the national trend where the expected median salary is $151,886.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Framingham
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 Framingham
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Framingham, MA typically start between $95,803 and $118,928 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $142,310 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $165,178 — 8.75% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Massachusetts of $68,000 represents just 70.98% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($95,803/year) in Framingham. 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 Framingham
- 1Research the Framingham market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $95,803 to $118,928, 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 Framingham, 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 Framingham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Framingham'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 Framingham is $142,310 ( 148.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $95,803, experienced hygienists can earn up to $238,113.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$81,385
2025 BLS Actual
$93,403
2026 Current Est.
$95,803
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Framingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,385 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,662 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,613 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,747 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,875 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,403 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,803 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,266 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Framingham, MA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $81,385 in 2019 to $93,403 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $98,266. New graduates entering the Framingham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Framingham 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 Framingham
Employers in Framingham, primarily the FAA, actively recruit new graduates through various entry channels, including CTI partnerships and off-the-street announcements. Aspiring controllers must meet specific criteria: U.S. citizenship, at least a bachelor’s degree or a combination of relevant experience, and successful completion of the FAA’s Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Once accepted, candidates undergo Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, followed by facility-specific training that can take 1 to 3 years before being certified as a full CPC. Transitioning to the role aligns with strategies that involve understanding the essential certifications and remaining adaptable, especially since top-tier en route facilities can offer a much larger salary, often reflecting the ongoing need for staffing in a system dealing with chronic understaffing. As controllers are subject to mandatory retirement at age 56, planning for a long-term career trajectory could yield substantial returns in a profession characterized by its steady demand and salary potential.
More salary data for Framingham, 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 Framingham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Framingham 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