Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Medford, MA: $78.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Medford, MA runs $78.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $162,841 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Medford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,708 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an hourly rate of $78.29, air traffic controllers in Medford, Massachusetts, enjoy compensation that exceeds the national median of $73.02. This lucrative pay structure makes the profession attractive, especially for part-time professionals, who might work about three days a week and earn significant weekly income, even while balancing other responsibilities. Those entering the field can expect to start at around $45.41 per hour, while experienced controllers can earn as much as $115.59 per hour. The work environments—whether at en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers—are demanding yet rewarding, providing a dynamic atmosphere along with the opportunity to earn well, whether through full-time commitments or more flexible per-diem arrangements.
About the Medford 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) | $45.41 | $363.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.06 | $456.48 |
| Median (P50) | $78.29 | $626.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99.26 | $794.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.59 | $924.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Medford
Based on $78.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.29/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Medford, MA can expect to earn approximately $162,847 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,950. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Medford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Medford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,131.67 | $13,571 | $162,847 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,879.00 | $8,142 | $97,708 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,252.67 | $5,428 | $65,139 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Medford) | $78.29 |
| 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 Medford, MA earn a median of $162,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.21% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $164,819.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.29/hr = $97,708/year (purchasing power: $90,053).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $162,847/year (purchasing power: $150,089).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $78.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Medford grew 20.4% from $63.40/hr (2019) to $76.33/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.30/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 Medford 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 Medford
Examining the potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Medford reveals a striking contrast to full-time roles. A controller working 24 hours a week could take home a solid annual income, potentially around $61,254, providing a stable financial base. Working per-diem or as an agency employee can further enhance their earnings, particularly because many controllers often clock 50-60 hours a week. This overtime can significantly boost their pay, with many earning $50,000-$100,000 in additional income. Employers range widely from FAA en route centers to military installations, each offering different hourly rates, with some opting for lower base pay in exchange for comprehensive health benefits. Negotiating effectively remains crucial; understanding the broader context of federal pay scales and the potential for overtime can empower air traffic controllers in Medford to maximize their earning potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Medford, 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 Medford. 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 Medford 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