Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in York, PA: $81,874 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the York, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,874 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out York's local price level (BEA RPP 97.4 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,060 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,162) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates considering a career as an air traffic controller in York, Pennsylvania, can expect to start with a salary around $81,874 in 2026. This entry-level pay is significantly below the city median of $141,162, creating a noticeable gap that new graduates should factor into their financial planning. In the early years, there is potential for salary growth as one transitions from the entry-level pay up through the P25 level of $101,984, reflecting progress and increased responsibilities in just a few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.57%, York's market offers a pathway for upward mobility in this essential profession, making it a viable choice for those beginning their careers.
About the York Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in York
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 York
Entry-level air traffic controllers in York, PA typically start between $81,874 and $101,984 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $116,697 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,162 — 7.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Pennsylvania of $52,000 represents just 63.51% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($81,874/year) in York. 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 York
- 1Research the York market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $81,874 to $101,984, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in York, 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 York for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5York's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in York is $116,697 ( 142.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,874, experienced hygienists can earn up to $198,571.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,552
2025 BLS Actual
$79,823
2026 Current Est.
$81,874
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in York (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,552 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,062 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,166 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,907 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,553 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,389 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,823 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,874 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,979 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in York, PA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,552 in 2019 to $79,823 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,979. New graduates entering the York job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the York 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 York
For those looking to secure entry-level positions, the primary employer of air traffic controllers in York is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They typically conduct hiring through off-the-street announcements and the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) to recruit new talent. Applicants must meet specific criteria, such as being under 31 unless they are military veterans. Credentialing is crucial; prospective controllers need to be U.S. citizens and pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test, along with completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. The initial years may come with challenges, particularly as new controllers get accustomed to the demands of the job, but they can anticipate realistic salary growth based on performance and overtime opportunities. Controllers in York can look forward to enhanced compensation through the combination of experience and shift differentials afforded by the FG pay scale, while also navigating the industry's staffing needs, which have remained persistent in recent years.
More salary data for York, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in York in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in York?
Is aviation school worth it in York?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in York?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Pennsylvania?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 York. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for York 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