Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Ithaca, NY: $110,201 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Ithaca, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $110,201 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ithaca's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $95,083 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($190,002) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The role of an air traffic controller presents lucrative starting pay for new graduates in Ithaca, NY, with an entry-level salary projected at $110,201 in 2026. This marks a foundational step toward the city's median annual salary of $190,002, revealing a substantial growth potential as new professionals advance through their careers. With dedicated effort and continued training, entry-level controllers can expect to see their salaries rise considerably, reaching approximately $136,802 after gaining experience, and possibly increasing further as they acquire additional certifications and skills. Given Ithaca's rising position in the aviation industry, the market is conducive for recent graduates ready to enter the air traffic control workforce.
About the Ithaca Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ithaca
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 Ithaca
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Ithaca, NY typically start between $110,201 and $136,802 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $150,467 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $190,002 — 25.1% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in New York of $65,000 represents just 58.98% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($110,201/year) in Ithaca. 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 Ithaca
- 1Research the Ithaca market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $110,201 to $136,802, 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 Ithaca, 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 Ithaca for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Ithaca'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 Ithaca is $150,467 ( 136.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $110,201, experienced hygienists can earn up to $260,668.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$93,616
2025 BLS Actual
$107,440
2026 Current Est.
$110,201
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,616 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,685 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,823 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,385 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,276 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,201 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,033 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Ithaca, NY grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $93,616 in 2019 to $107,440 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $113,033. New graduates entering the Ithaca job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ithaca 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 Ithaca
Employers in Ithaca primarily include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which recruits new air traffic controllers through public bid windows targeting candidates under 31 years old unless they are military veterans. Additionally, the FAA collaborates with universities under the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI), offering pathways for graduates. To enhance their prospects and boost starting pay, aspiring controllers should ensure they meet the essential qualifications, such as U.S. citizenship, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test, and completing the Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. With ongoing training requirements and the potential for lucrative progression within the FG pay scale, new controllers are well positioned to experience steady salary growth as they establish their careers in the challenging yet rewarding field of air traffic control over the first several years.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Ithaca in 2026?
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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 Ithaca. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ithaca 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