Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Haverhill, MA: $232,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Haverhill, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $232,914/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Haverhill's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $214,667 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Haverhill, experienced air traffic controllers can anticipate lucrative salaries that reflect their advanced expertise and contributions to air traffic management. The projected median annual salary for 2026 is a notable $165,296, but the true earning potential lies significantly higher. Senior controllers, particularly those reaching the 75th percentile, can expect compensation around $211,578, while top earners, those in the 90th percentile, may secure as much as $232,914 annually. This substantial gap between the median and these upper echelons of pay underscores the value placed on extensive experience and specialization within the profession. Achieving these top-tier salaries requires not only several years of experience but also dedication to mastering complex air traffic control operations.
About the Haverhill Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Haverhill
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Haverhill earn between $211,578 and $232,914 per year (2026 est.). This $137,043 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Haverhill median of $165,296 sits 8.83% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Haverhill | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $165,296 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $211,578 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $232,914 | $221,151 |
In Haverhill, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 40.91% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Haverhill
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $165,296 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Haverhill employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Haverhill command premium compensation, often reaching the $211,578–$232,914 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Haverhill 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 Haverhill 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 Haverhill
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHaverhill ranks #23 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $232,914).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Haverhill ($232,914) is 0.15% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).
2019 BLS Actual
$185,698
2025 BLS Actual
$227,078
2026 Current Est.
$232,914
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Haverhill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $185,698 | Actual |
| 2020 | $194,608 | Actual |
| 2021 | $195,883 | Actual |
| 2022 | $199,895 | Actual |
| 2023 | $211,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $232,969 | Actual |
| 2025 | $227,078 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $232,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $238,900 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Haverhill saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $185,698 in 2019 to $227,078 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 $238,900 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Haverhill 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 Haverhill
Several factors play into the higher compensation for seasoned air traffic controllers in Haverhill. Those specializing in en route and radar traffic management often command the highest pay grades, aligning with the demand for expertise in managing high-altitude flights. With 16 air traffic controllers currently employed in the area, the competition for top positions remains firm. Employment at FAA en route centers and TRACONs typically provides more lucrative compensation than positions in airport traffic control towers. Additionally, career progression pathways such as moving from a developmental controller to a certified professional controller (CPC) and eventually ascending to supervisory roles can yield significant salary increases. Advanced credentials, shift differentials, overtime, and locality pay further enhance the overall compensation package for senior air traffic controllers in MA, creating a compelling case for those entering or advancing in this critical field.
More salary data for Haverhill, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Haverhill in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Haverhill?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Haverhill?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Haverhill?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Haverhill?
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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 $227,078 for air traffic controllers in the Haverhill 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 Haverhill 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