Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in White Plains, NY: $108,860 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the White Plains, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $108,860 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out White Plains's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $93,926 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($187,689) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the air traffic control profession in White Plains, NY, the starting air traffic controller salary is projected to be $108,860 in 2026. This figure positions entry-level controllers in contrast to the overall median annual salary of $187,689 for this occupation in the city. Over the first three to five years of employment, it is reasonable to expect growth in pay as they progress through experience and training, moving from the entry-level figure up through the 25th percentile at $135,136, and towards the median. Given the anticipated growth rate of 2.57% annually, White Plains appears to be a promising market for recent graduates, particularly for those willing to embrace the rigorous training and development pathways associated with the FAA.
About the White Plains Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in White Plains
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 White Plains
Entry-level air traffic controllers in White Plains, NY typically start between $108,860 and $135,136 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $162,635 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $187,689 — 23.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in New York of $65,000 represents just 59.71% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($108,860/year) in White Plains. 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 White Plains
- 1Research the White Plains market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $108,860 to $135,136, 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 White Plains, 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 White Plains for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in White Plains'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 White Plains is $162,635 ( 149.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $108,860, experienced hygienists can earn up to $271,495.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$92,476
2025 BLS Actual
$106,132
2026 Current Est.
$108,860
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in White Plains (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,476 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,472 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,595 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,114 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,921 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,132 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,860 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,657 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in White Plains, NY grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $92,476 in 2019 to $106,132 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $111,657. New graduates entering the White Plains job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the White Plains 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 White Plains
In White Plains, new controllers often enter the field through career paths facilitated by the FAA, which recruits not only from the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) but also through "off-the-street" announcements for candidates under 31 years old unless they are military veterans. The certification process can be extensive, requiring candidates to pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and undergo Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. Completing this training is essential for advancing within the system and increasing pay potential—especially in high-tier facilities such as ZNY New York Center where total compensation can reach $200,000 to $300,000 with additional benefits. Establishing a strong foundation through certification and experience will also help new controllers navigate their early years on the FG pay scale effectively, as they aim to move beyond entry-level wages and secure more lucrative positions before the mandatory retirement age of 56.
More salary data for White Plains, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in White Plains in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in White Plains?
Is aviation school worth it in White Plains?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in White Plains?
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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 White Plains. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for White Plains 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