Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in New Bedford, MA: $96,295 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the New Bedford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,295 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out New Bedford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,751 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($166,025) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates examining an entry-level air traffic controller salary in New Bedford, the projected figures for 2026 are promising, with starting pay at $96,295. This amount is significantly lower than the city's median salary of $166,025, indicating a potential growth trajectory for those beginning their careers. Entry-level controllers can expect to see increases in their earnings as they progress through the ranks, moving toward the P25 salary of $119,685 within a few years. Given the competitive nature of the air traffic control field, New Bedford presents a viable market for new professionals, particularly as the FAA continues to recruit and expand its workforce.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in New Bedford
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 New Bedford
Entry-level air traffic controllers in New Bedford, MA typically start between $96,295 and $119,685 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $143,193 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $166,025 — 9.31% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Massachusetts of $68,000 represents just 70.62% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($96,295/year) in New Bedford. 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 New Bedford
- 1Research the New Bedford market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $96,295 to $119,685, 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 New Bedford, 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 New Bedford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5New Bedford'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 New Bedford is $143,193 ( 148.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,295, experienced hygienists can earn up to $239,488.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$81,803
2025 BLS Actual
$93,882
2026 Current Est.
$96,295
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,803 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,106 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,053 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,212 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,366 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,882 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,295 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,770 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in New Bedford, MA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $81,803 in 2019 to $93,882 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $98,770. New graduates entering the New Bedford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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 New Bedford
In New Bedford, the FAA primarily hires new air traffic controllers through public bid opportunities and partnerships with select universities as part of its Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. Candidates must be under age 31 unless they are military veterans, which enhances career opportunities for those with relevant backgrounds. Employers value specific credentials, including U.S. citizenship, a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, along with the successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test. The FAA Academy offers paid training, and the extensive initial qualification training typically lasts 3-5 months, followed by facility-specific training that can take an additional 1-3 years. New graduates should focus on securing positions early, as controllers often start in lower-tier facilities where earnings may primarily fall below top-tier averages. However, proactive pursuit of training and performance in these roles can lead to salary growth, as the mandatory retirement age of 56 creates ongoing demand for new talent in this field.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in New Bedford in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in New Bedford?
Is aviation school worth it in New Bedford?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in New Bedford?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 New Bedford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for New Bedford 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