Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in New Bedford, MA: $239,488 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in New Bedford, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $239,488/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back New Bedford's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $220,726 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 2026, an experienced air traffic controller in New Bedford, Massachusetts, has the potential to earn a top-tier salary with compensation reaching up to $239,488. This positioning not only reflects the city's median annual salary of $166,025 but also highlights a significant gap between seasoned professionals and entry-level counterparts. An impressive salary is critical as air traffic controllers move through their careers; reaching this level typically requires more than just experience. Advanced training, an understanding of specialized traffic management, and the ability to adeptly handle complex airspace are necessary to ascend to these upper echelons of pay. In fact, New Bedford’s projected P90 earnings place it well above the national average, which stands at $151,886, showcasing the city's competitiveness for seasoned professionals.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bedford
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in New Bedford earn between $212,321 and $239,488 per year (2026 est.). This $143,193 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The New Bedford median of $166,025 sits 9.31% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | New Bedford | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $166,025 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $212,321 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $239,488 | $221,151 |
In New Bedford, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 44.25% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in New Bedford
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $166,025 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by New Bedford employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in New Bedford command premium compensation, often reaching the $212,321–$239,488 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedNew Bedford ranks #13 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $239,488).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in New Bedford ($239,488) is 2.97% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).
2019 BLS Actual
$190,939
2025 BLS Actual
$233,487
2026 Current Est.
$239,488
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $190,939 | Actual |
| 2020 | $200,101 | Actual |
| 2021 | $201,411 | Actual |
| 2022 | $205,537 | Actual |
| 2023 | $217,655 | Actual |
| 2024 | $239,545 | Actual |
| 2025 | $233,487 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $239,488 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $245,642 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in New Bedford saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $190,939 in 2019 to $233,487 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 $245,642 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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 New Bedford
Compensation for senior air traffic controllers in New Bedford varies significantly depending on specialization and type of employment. Controllers specializing in en route operations or radar generally command the highest wages, while those in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) or airport traffic control towers experience varying pay levels. Employment within the FAA’s en route centers or TRACON facilities typically benefits from higher starting salaries, while military controllers transitioning to the civilian sector may find lucrative opportunities at veteran-friendly facilities. Moreover, progression within the ranks—from developmental controller to traffic management coordinator and eventually to ATC manager—opens additional salary avenues. Establishing advanced credentials like CPC certification can further elevate earning potential in Massachusetts. Many controllers also benefit from shift differentials, overtime pay, and locality adjustments, all of which contribute to competitive pay, particularly in a market where demand often exceeds supply due to ongoing staffing issues in the industry.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in New Bedford in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in New Bedford?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in New Bedford?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in New Bedford?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in New Bedford?
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 $233,487 for air traffic controllers in the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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