Buffalo vs New York: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Buffalo, NY and New York, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $194,731 | $212,965▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $93.63 | $102.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,944 | $123,520▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $140,206 | $153,335▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $249,256 | $272,595▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $301,834 | $319,311▲ |
| Total Employed | 58 | 2,020▲ |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and New York is $18,234 (9.36%). New York's median is +40.21% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $188,890,New York spans $195,791. New York has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New York ($183,749 effective) pays 9.36% more than Buffalo ($168,016 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($212,965/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($319,311)
- ✓Larger job market (2,020 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $183,749)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Buffalo grew 94.9% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 25.9% growth in New York over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$97,410 (2022) → $189,852 (2025)
New York, NY
$164,880 (2020) → $207,629 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Buffalo or New York?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and New York?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to New York as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Buffalo vs New York?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov