Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Braintree, MA: $76.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Braintree, MA runs $76.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $159,053 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Braintree's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,429 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Braintree, Massachusetts, the expected air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $76.47, which is notably above the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This competitive rate allows for attractive earning opportunities, especially for part-time workers and those considering per-diem positions. Typically working in environments such as en route center radar consoles or airport traffic control towers, controllers can maximize their earnings working three days a week, balancing work and personal life. For those interested in temporary or per-diem positions, wages can range significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $44.35 and experienced controllers earning up to $109.24 per hour. The hourly figures reported are estimates derived from annual salary data, highlighting the earning potential in various types of facilities, from FAA en route centers to regional airport control towers.
About the Braintree 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) | $44.35 | $354.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.30 | $450.41 |
| Median (P50) | $76.47 | $611.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.88 | $783.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.24 | $873.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Braintree
Based on $76.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.47/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Braintree, MA can expect to earn approximately $159,049 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,759. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Braintree.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Braintree
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,058.64 | $13,254 | $159,049 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,835.18 | $7,952 | $95,429 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,223.45 | $5,302 | $63,620 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Braintree) | $76.47 |
| 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 Braintree, MA earn a median of $159,053 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.72% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,822.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.47/hr = $95,429/year (purchasing power: $87,953).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $159,049/year (purchasing power: $146,589).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Braintree (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Braintree grew 20.4% from $61.92/hr (2019) to $74.55/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.43/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 Braintree 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 Braintree
Navigating the financial aspects of being an air traffic controller in Braintree reveals lucrative potential, particularly for part-time employees who typically work around 24 hours weekly. A three-day work schedule could yield a substantial annual income, reaching near $59,990 for a part-time controller, while full-timers often secure significantly more. Controllers employed on a per-diem basis may find that overtime, which is paid at 1.5 times the base rate, adds considerable value to their hourly comp, especially in understaffed facilities where many work 50-60 hours weekly, leading to possible earnings exceeding $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime each year. With varied employer types influencing pay scales—from FAA en route centers to military air traffic control—some controllers opt for lower hourly rates with health benefits, whereas others prioritizing higher pay forgo insurance. Effective negotiation strategies in Braintree often revolve around understanding facility needs and demonstrating skill proficiency, enabling controllers to enhance their earning potential in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Braintree, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Braintree in 2026?
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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 Braintree. 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 Braintree 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