Air Traffic Controller Salary

Troy vs Yonkers: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

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

Troy, NY
$194,683
$93.60/hr
Yonkers, NY
$197,798
$95.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTroy, NYYonkers, NY
Median Salary$194,683$197,798
Hourly Rate$93.60$95.09
Entry Level (P10)$112,916$114,722
25th Percentile$140,172$142,414
75th Percentile$249,194$253,182
Top Earner (P90)$284,011$306,239
Total Employed1145
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Troy ($194,683) and Yonkers ($197,798) air traffic controller salaries.TroyYonkersMedian Salary$194,683$197,798Entry Level (P10)$112,916$114,722Top Earner (P90)$284,011$306,239US Median $151,886

Verdict

Yonkers, NY offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Troy.

The salary gap between Troy and Yonkers is $3,115 (1.60%). Yonkers's median is +30.23% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Troy spans $171,095,Yonkers spans $191,517. Yonkers has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.

Troy
P10 (Entry)$112,916
P25$140,172
Median$194,683
P75$249,194
P90 (Top)$284,011
Yonkers
P10 (Entry)$114,722
P25$142,414
Median$197,798
P75$253,182
P90 (Top)$306,239

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Yonkers ($170,663 effective) pays 1.60% more than Troy ($167,975 effective).

Troy
Nominal: $194,683
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $167,975
Yonkers
Nominal: $197,798
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $170,663

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Troy if…

  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Choose Yonkers if…

  • Higher median salary ($197,798/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($306,239)
  • Larger job market (45 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $170,663)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Troy grew -3.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.4% growth in Yonkers over the same period.

Troy, NY

+-3.4%

$196,582 (2024) → $189,805 (2025)

Yonkers, NY

+-3.4%

$199,727 (2024) → $192,842 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Troy or Yonkers?

Yonkers has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $197,798/year, compared to Troy at $194,683/year — a difference of $3,115 (1.60%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Troy and Yonkers?

Troy air traffic controllers earn $93.60/hr while Yonkers hygienists earn $95.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Troy to Yonkers as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Troy and Yonkers. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Troy = $167,975, Yonkers = $170,663), job availability (11 vs 45 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Troy vs Yonkers?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $112,916 in Troy and $114,722 in Yonkers. The Yonkers 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