Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Schenectady, NY: $108,319 (2026)

In Schenectady, a number of employers, primarily the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), actively recruit new graduates for air traffic controller roles. The FAA periodically opens hiring windows for "off-the-street" candidates, allowing those under 31 years old or military veterans to apply. Additionally, the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program provides a pathway for graduates of partner colleges to enter the field. If a candidate presents the necessary credentials—a bachelor’s degree or three years of progressive work experience, alongside the successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA)—they can significantly enhance their starting pay potential. After completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City—a paid training period of 3-5 months—new hires will undergo facility-specific training lasting 1-3 years to achieve full Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status. During the first three years, controllers are expected to see salary growth as they navigate the path toward becoming proficient in their roles, ideally aiming for facilities that might offer substantial earnings, especially given the chronic understaffing in the field which often necessitates overtime work.