Transportation & Logistics Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median air traffic controller salary in Cambridge, MA is $219,808 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$219,808
vs State Avg
+$34,345
vs National
+$82,428
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median air traffic controller salary of $219,808, which is $34,345 above the Massachusetts state average of $185,463. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $219,808 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Cambridge spans from $131,200 at the 10th percentile to $316,800 at the 90th percentile — a $185,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $136,000, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $304,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $136,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $304,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$136,000
+$51,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$224,000
+$84,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$304,000
+$114,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $131,200
25th Percentile $172,800
Median (50th) $219,808
75th Percentile $280,000
90th Percentile $316,800

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$208,818
Pop. 675,647
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 Cambridge

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Cambridge 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 Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $219,808 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $131,200 (10th percentile) to $316,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $219,808, a air traffic controller in Cambridge earns approximately $106 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Cambridge's median air traffic controller salary of $219,808 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $185,463. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $219,808 in Cambridge 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 Cambridge? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Cambridge 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.