Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Glens Falls, NY: $106,372 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Glens Falls, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $106,372 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Glens Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $91,779 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($183,400) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Glens Falls, NY, new graduates entering the air traffic controller profession can anticipate a starting salary around $106,372 in 2026, a figure that positions them beneath the city’s median for the role of $183,400. While this entry-level pay might seem modest compared to the overall median, there is a clear growth trajectory for early-career controllers. Over the first three to five years, new hires can expect gradual increases, with potential earnings reaching $132,049 at the 25th percentile, before arriving at the median. Given Glens Falls' relatively stable market for air traffic controllers, this is an excellent time for new professionals, as the ongoing demand for skilled workers presents favorable opportunities.
About the Glens Falls Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Glens Falls
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glens Falls
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Glens Falls, NY typically start between $106,372 and $132,049 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $136,079 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $183,400 — 20.75% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in New York of $65,000 represents just 61.11% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($106,372/year) in Glens Falls. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Glens Falls
- 1Research the Glens Falls market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $106,372 to $132,049, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Glens Falls, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Glens Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Glens Falls's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Glens Falls is $136,079 ( 127.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $106,372, experienced hygienists can earn up to $242,451.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$90,363
2025 BLS Actual
$103,707
2026 Current Est.
$106,372
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Glens Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,363 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,222 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,058 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,758 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,707 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,372 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,106 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Glens Falls, NY grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $90,363 in 2019 to $103,707 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $109,106. New graduates entering the Glens Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glens Falls metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Glens Falls
New graduates looking for entry-level air traffic controller roles in Glens Falls should focus on the FAA, which actively recruits through both the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and public bid windows designed for "off-the-street" hiring. Candidates must be under 31 unless they are military veterans, who can leverage their training through the Veterans Recruitment Authority. Obtaining the necessary credentials is crucial; applicants need to be U.S. citizens and pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), followed by Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. The competitive pay structure on the FG pay scale highlights the advancement possibilities, which can see controllers in high-demand en route facilities earning total compensation exceeding $200,000, especially through overtime. Realistic expectations for salary growth in the first few years indicate that diligent professionals can achieve notable increases as they navigate through training and secure their certifications while handling the increasing workloads resulting from chronic staffing shortages.
More salary data for Glens Falls, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Glens Falls in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Glens Falls?
Is aviation school worth it in Glens Falls?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Glens Falls?
How do I become a air traffic controller in New York?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Glens Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Glens Falls is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov