Transportation & Logistics Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median air traffic controller salary in Boston, MA is $208,818 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$208,818
vs State Avg
+$23,355
vs National
+$71,438
Cost of Living
152%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median air traffic controller salary of $208,818, which is $23,355 above the Massachusetts state average of $185,463. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $208,818 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Boston spans from $124,640 at the 10th percentile to $300,960 at the 90th percentile — a $176,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $129,200, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $288,800. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $129,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $288,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$129,200
+$44,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$212,800
+$72,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$288,800
+$98,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $124,640
25th Percentile $164,160
Median (50th) $208,818
75th Percentile $266,000
90th Percentile $300,960

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$219,808
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$151,118
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$144,249
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$134,632
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Boston

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Boston

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Boston

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $208,818 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $124,640 (10th percentile) to $300,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $208,818, a air traffic controller in Boston earns approximately $100 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Boston's median air traffic controller salary of $208,818 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $185,463. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $208,818 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Boston? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Boston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.