Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Brockton, MA: $250,905 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Brockton, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $250,905/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Brockton's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $231,249 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Professionals who achieve senior air traffic controller positions in Brockton, Massachusetts, can expect lucrative compensation that reflects their experience and expertise. In 2026, the median annual salary for this role is projected at $166,211, but the potential for top earners is significantly higher, with the 90th percentile (P90) reaching up to $250,905. This notable spread emphasizes the substantial experience premium available to those who excel in their field. To secure such a position, one must typically navigate complex responsibilities, including both operational and supervisory tasks, as well as ongoing training and certification to maintain high standards in air traffic management. With a competitive edge in pay as compared to the national median of $151,886, those in Brockton's senior air traffic controller roles stand to gain not only in salary but also in professional recognition within the industry.
About the Brockton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brockton
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Brockton earn between $212,750 and $250,905 per year (2026 est.). This $154,503 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brockton median of $166,211 sits 9.43% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Brockton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $166,211 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $212,750 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $250,905 | $221,151 |
In Brockton, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 50.96% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Brockton
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $166,211 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brockton employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Brockton command premium compensation, often reaching the $212,750–$250,905 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brockton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Brockton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Brockton
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrockton ranks #2 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $250,905).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Brockton ($250,905) is 7.88% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).
2019 BLS Actual
$200,042
2025 BLS Actual
$244,618
2026 Current Est.
$250,905
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Brockton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $200,042 | Actual |
| 2020 | $209,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $211,013 | Actual |
| 2022 | $215,336 | Actual |
| 2023 | $228,031 | Actual |
| 2024 | $250,972 | Actual |
| 2025 | $244,618 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $250,905 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $257,353 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Brockton saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $200,042 in 2019 to $244,618 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $257,353 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brockton 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Brockton
In Brockton, various specializations are pivotal for senior air traffic controllers aiming to command premium salaries. Controllers focusing on en route and radar operations typically earn the highest salaries, reflecting the complexity and responsibility associated with managing high-altitude traffic across long distances. Terminal radar (TRACON) and tower facilities also offer substantial pay, with military and oceanic specialties further enhancing earning potential. Additionally, employment type plays a critical role; FAA en route centers offer distinct pay tiers compared to TRACONs and airport traffic control towers, with military air traffic control providing a separate career trajectory altogether. Career advancement opportunities abound, leading from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC) and beyond into supervisory roles. Furthermore, credentials such as CPC certification, advanced training, and specialized skill sets can unlock higher pay scales, especially in a market where chronic understaffing necessitates significant overtime and premium rates for senior controllers. Combined with locality pay considerations, the senior air traffic controller pay in MA reflects a dynamic compensation environment that rewards expertise and responsibility.
More salary data for Brockton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Brockton in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Brockton?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Brockton?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Brockton?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Brockton?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $244,618 for air traffic controllers in the Brockton metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brockton 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