Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Syracuse, NY: $115,757 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Syracuse, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $115,757 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Syracuse's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $99,877 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($199,582) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the air traffic control field in Syracuse, NY, can expect an initial salary around $115,757 in 2026, which sets a solid foundation for their careers. While this starting air traffic controller salary in Syracuse is significantly lower than the expected median annual salary of $199,582, it provides a pathway for growth within the profession. Over the first few years, new controllers can progress through pay tiers, moving towards the 25th percentile at $143,699 and gradually closing the gap to the median. Given the projected growth rate of 2.57% in this sector, Syracuse presents itself as a favorable market for early-career controllers, with ample opportunities to advance in a high-demand field.
About the Syracuse Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Syracuse
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 Syracuse
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Syracuse, NY typically start between $115,757 and $143,699 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $175,296 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $199,582 — 31.4% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in New York of $65,000 represents just 56.15% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($115,757/year) in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse
- 1Research the Syracuse market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $115,757 to $143,699, 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 Syracuse, 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 Syracuse for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Syracuse'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 Syracuse is $175,296 ( 151.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $115,757, experienced hygienists can earn up to $291,053.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$98,336
2025 BLS Actual
$112,857
2026 Current Est.
$115,757
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,336 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,711 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,445 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,906 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,648 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,886 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,857 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,757 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,732 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Syracuse, NY grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $98,336 in 2019 to $112,857 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $118,732. New graduates entering the Syracuse job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
In Syracuse, the FAA is the primary employer of entry-level air traffic controllers, actively recruiting new talent through various channels. Recent graduates can apply through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program or off-the-street hiring announcements, though applicants must typically be under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is essential, along with successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and subsequent training at the FAA Academy. Career advancement is achievable, particularly in top-tier en route facilities like ZNY and ZLA, where controllers can eventually earn between $130,000 and $180,000 as Certified Professional Controllers (CPC). With industry dynamics favoring overtime due to chronic staffing shortages, the potential for salary increases during the first three years is significant, paving the way for lucrative earnings in the long run.
More salary data for Syracuse, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Syracuse. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Syracuse 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