Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Barnstable, MA: $77.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Barnstable, MA runs $77.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $160,191 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Barnstable's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,121 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly rate of $77.02, air traffic controllers in Barnstable, Massachusetts earn notably more than the national hourly median of $73.02. This premium reflects the unique demands of managing air traffic in various settings, such as en route centers and airport control towers. Controllers engaged part-time, perhaps working only three days a week, can still expect respectable compensation, demonstrating the profession's flexibility. For those pursuing per-diem opportunities, the competitive hourly rates allow for significant earning potential even without a full-time commitment. The hourly range from entry-level positions starting at approximately $44.67 to experienced top earners reaching around $106.34 shows the potential for growth and financial stability in this field, with figures estimated from annual salary data.
About the Barnstable Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.67 | $357.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.37 | $458.94 |
| Median (P50) | $77.02 | $616.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.47 | $771.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.34 | $850.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Barnstable
Based on $77.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.02/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Barnstable, MA can expect to earn approximately $160,201 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,424. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Barnstable.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Barnstable
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,080.79 | $13,350 | $160,201 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,848.48 | $8,010 | $96,121 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,232.32 | $5,340 | $64,080 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Barnstable) | $77.02 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Barnstable, MA earn a median of $160,191 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.47% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.80% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,805.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.02/hr = $96,121/year (purchasing power: $88,591).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $160,201/year (purchasing power: $147,651).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Barnstable (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Barnstable grew 20.4% from $62.37/hr (2019) to $75.09/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.00/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barnstable 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Barnstable
Exploring the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Barnstable reveals intriguing distinctions from full-time positions. A part-time controller averaging approximately 24 hours a week can realistically take home a substantial annual income without the stress and commitments of full-time work. The per diem air traffic controller pay in Barnstable adds another layer to this profession, as many controllers take on overtime shifts that can nearly double their regular hourly rates due to chronic understaffing. Facilities often require CPCs to work 50-60 hours weekly, pushing overtime compensation significantly beyond the standard hours worked, resulting in effective earnings substantially higher than the base rate. Each type of employer—from FAA en route centers to military facilities—offers varied hourly rates and benefits, influencing overall compensation. Notably, some controllers weigh the trade-off between lower hourly pay with robust health benefits versus higher rates with little to no benefits. Practical negotiation strategies involve understanding these dynamics, ensuring that controllers in Barnstable take full advantage of their leverage when discussing pay structures and hours.
More salary data for Barnstable, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Barnstable. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Barnstable 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