Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Plymouth, MA: $241,123 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Plymouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $241,123/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $222,233 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
Stepping into senior air traffic controller roles in Plymouth, Massachusetts can yield substantial financial rewards, with a 2026 projected median annual salary of $165,921. However, those who climb to the pinnacle of this field can anticipate earning as much as $241,123, underscoring a significant experience premium in the local market. This gap between the median and top-tier pay highlights the career potential for controllers who dedicate over seven years to honing their skills, excelling through challenges, and pursuing advanced specialties. Such positions not only require the technical acumen associated with air traffic management but also the ability to engage in continuous professional development, promoting both individual careers and overall aviation safety and efficiency.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $212,379 and $241,123 per year (2026 est.). This $144,889 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $165,921 sits 9.24% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $165,921 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $212,379 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $241,123 | $221,151 |
In Plymouth, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 45.32% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $165,921 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $212,379–$241,123 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #10 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $241,123).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Plymouth ($241,123) is 3.68% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($232,575).
2019 BLS Actual
$192,243
2025 BLS Actual
$235,081
2026 Current Est.
$241,123
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $192,243 | Actual |
| 2020 | $201,467 | Actual |
| 2021 | $202,786 | Actual |
| 2022 | $206,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $219,141 | Actual |
| 2024 | $241,185 | Actual |
| 2025 | $235,081 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $241,123 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $247,319 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $192,243 in 2019 to $235,081 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 $247,319 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Further analysis reveals that certain specializations command higher pay in Plymouth, particularly those involving en route and radar operations. Controllers specializing in military ATC or oceanic traffic often find themselves among the highest earners as well. Employment type also influences compensation; professionals in FAA en route facilities generally earn more than their counterparts in terminal TRACONs or airport towers, with the added potential for overtime and shift differentials further enhancing overall earnings. Advancement paths, such as progressing from a developmental controller to an operations supervisor or facility manager, represent key strategies for increasing salary potential. Moreover, pursuing advanced certifications and specialized training can enhance one’s prospects in a market where experienced air traffic controller salary in Plymouth is increasingly competitive, contributing to a productive and effective air traffic management community.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Plymouth?
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 $235,081 for air traffic controllers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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