Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Framingham, MA: $238,113 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Framingham, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $238,113/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Framingham's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $219,459 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Framingham, MA, the experienced air traffic controller salary offers a competitive edge for senior professionals, with the potential to earn up to $238,113 at the P90 tier. The median annual salary for this role is projected to be $165,178 in 2026, representing a significant gap between average earnings and what top earners can pull in. To reach such elevated pay levels, seasoned controllers often specialize in areas that are crucial to air traffic management, such as en route and radar operations. Those in less competitive positions, such as some tower operations, typically earn less, highlighting the importance of specialization and continued skill enhancement in advancing one's career.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Framingham
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Framingham earn between $211,428 and $238,113 per year (2026 est.). This $142,310 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Framingham median of $165,178 sits 8.75% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Framingham | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $165,178 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $211,428 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $238,113 | $221,151 |
In Framingham, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 44.16% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Framingham
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $165,178 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Framingham employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Framingham command premium compensation, often reaching the $211,428–$238,113 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Framingham 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 Framingham 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 Framingham
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFramingham ranks #18 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $238,113).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Framingham ($238,113) is 2.38% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).
2019 BLS Actual
$189,844
2025 BLS Actual
$232,147
2026 Current Est.
$238,113
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Framingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $189,844 | Actual |
| 2020 | $198,952 | Actual |
| 2021 | $200,255 | Actual |
| 2022 | $204,357 | Actual |
| 2023 | $216,406 | Actual |
| 2024 | $238,174 | Actual |
| 2025 | $232,147 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $238,113 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $244,233 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Framingham saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $189,844 in 2019 to $232,147 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 $244,233 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Framingham 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 Framingham
Framingham's senior air traffic controller pay reflects a nuanced understanding of various specialties and employer types. Controllers with expertise in en route operations or terminal radar tend to command the highest salaries, alongside those serving as traffic management coordinators or FAA Academy instructors. Salaries also vary across employer types, with FAA en route centers (ARTCCs) and military air traffic control offering distinct paths that influence compensation. Transitioning from a developmental controller to a certified professional controller (CPC) and ultimately to leadership roles like operations supervisor or ATC manager can unlock further salary increases. Advanced credentials such as a relevant bachelor's degree and successful completion of the FAA's rigorous training and testing requirements are essential for enhancing earning potential. Additionally, factors like shift differentials and locality pay can substantially impact overall compensation, offering seasoned professionals in Framingham a lucrative career trajectory in aviation management.
More salary data for Framingham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Framingham in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Framingham?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Framingham?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Framingham?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Framingham?
Related Pages
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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 $232,147 for air traffic controllers in the Framingham 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 Framingham 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