Air Traffic Controller Salary

New York vs New Rochelle: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between New York, NY and New Rochelle, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

New York, NY
$212,965
$102.39/hr
New Rochelle, NY
$193,721
$93.13/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNew York, NYNew Rochelle, NY
Median Salary$212,965$193,721
Hourly Rate$102.39$93.13
Entry Level (P10)$123,520$112,358
25th Percentile$153,335$140,817
75th Percentile$272,595$245,077
Top Earner (P90)$319,311$273,588
Total Employed2,02020
Side-by-side bar chart comparing New York ($212,965) and New Rochelle ($193,721) air traffic controller salaries.New YorkNew RochelleMedian Salary$212,965$193,721Entry Level (P10)$123,520$112,358Top Earner (P90)$319,311$273,588US Median $151,886

Verdict

New York, NY offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to New Rochelle.

The salary gap between New York and New Rochelle is $19,244 (9.93%). 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 New York spans $195,791,New Rochelle spans $161,230. New York has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

New York
P10 (Entry)$123,520
P25$153,335
Median$212,965
P75$272,595
P90 (Top)$319,311
New Rochelle
P10 (Entry)$112,358
P25$140,817
Median$193,721
P75$245,077
P90 (Top)$273,588

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, New York ($183,749 effective) pays 9.93% more than New Rochelle ($167,145 effective).

New York
Nominal: $212,965
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $183,749
New Rochelle
Nominal: $193,721
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $167,145

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose New Rochelle if…

  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in New York grew 25.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -3.4% growth in New Rochelle over the same period.

New York, NY

+25.9%

$164,880 (2020) → $207,629 (2025)

New Rochelle, NY

+-3.4%

$195,610 (2024) → $188,867 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: New York or New Rochelle?

New York has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $212,965/year, compared to New Rochelle at $193,721/year — a difference of $19,244 (9.93%).

What is the hourly rate difference between New York and New Rochelle?

New York air traffic controllers earn $102.39/hr while New Rochelle hygienists earn $93.13/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from New York to New Rochelle as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing New York and New Rochelle. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: New York = $183,749, New Rochelle = $167,145), job availability (2,020 vs 20 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in New York vs New Rochelle?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $123,520 in New York and $112,358 in New Rochelle. The New York area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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