Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lawrence, MA: $233,504 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Lawrence, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $233,504/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $215,211 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the potential for experienced air traffic controllers in Lawrence, Massachusetts is notable, especially for those aiming for top-tier compensation. With the highest earners in the region projected to bring in around $233,504 annually, the gap between the average salary of $160,714 and these elite figures highlights the lucrative opportunities available to senior professionals. In addition, earning in the 75th percentile at $205,713 reflects the premium that comes with extensive experience and specific skill sets in this field. Achieving such high salaries often requires dedication to ongoing training and specialization, as advanced capabilities are increasingly valued in a competitive landscape.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $205,713 and $233,504 per year (2026 est.). This $140,290 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $160,714 sits 5.81% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $160,714 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $205,713 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $233,504 | $221,151 |
In Lawrence, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 45.29% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $160,714 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $205,713–$233,504 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #22 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $233,504).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Lawrence ($233,504) is 0.4% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).
2019 BLS Actual
$186,168
2025 BLS Actual
$227,653
2026 Current Est.
$233,504
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $186,168 | Actual |
| 2020 | $195,101 | Actual |
| 2021 | $196,379 | Actual |
| 2022 | $200,401 | Actual |
| 2023 | $212,216 | Actual |
| 2024 | $233,564 | Actual |
| 2025 | $227,653 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $233,504 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $239,505 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $186,168 in 2019 to $227,653 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 $239,505 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
At the senior level, specialization can significantly influence compensation within the Lawrence area. In particular, roles such as en route/radar controllers and traffic management coordinators tend to command higher salaries, often associated with FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities. Experienced controllers may find that working in terminal radar environments—where they manage traffic around major airports—also leads to competitive pay. Additionally, opportunities exist for advancement through structured career paths, which can evolve from developmental controller to traffic management coordinator and, eventually, to roles like ATC manager. To maximize earning potential, pursuing advanced certifications and aligning with federal regulations is essential, as is navigating the dual pathways of military and civilian air traffic control. Moreover, the compensation framework may vary by employer, with federal facilities and private contractors offering differing pay scales and benefits, including locality pay, shift differentials, and overtime opportunities.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Lawrence?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $227,653 for air traffic controllers in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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