Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Buffalo, NY: $93.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Buffalo, NY runs $93.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $194,731 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Buffalo's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $80.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $116,845 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buffalo, New York, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $93.63, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This favorable pay rate reflects the expertise required for managing high-pressure environments in various settings, such as busy airport traffic control towers and en route centers. For part-time professionals working three days per week, the compensation allows for a viable income, especially when considering the hourly range from $54.30 at the entry-level to $145.12 for top earners. Those involved in per-diem work also find this hourly pay attractive, given the challenging conditions faced in radar facilities and control rooms. With estimated rates drawn from annual salary figures, this hourly pay provides an essential perspective on the financial realities for air traffic controllers in the region.
About the Buffalo Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54.30 | $434.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67.41 | $539.27 |
| Median (P50) | $93.63 | $749.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119.83 | $958.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $145.12 | $1160.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo
Based on $93.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $93.63/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo, NY can expect to earn approximately $194,742 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $112,351. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Buffalo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,745.04 | $16,228 | $194,742 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,247.02 | $9,737 | $116,845 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,498.01 | $6,491 | $77,897 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Buffalo) | $93.63 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Buffalo, NY earn a median of $194,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.21% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% above the New York state average of $192,803.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $93.63/hr = $116,845/year (purchasing power: $100,815).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $194,742/year (purchasing power: $168,026).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$75.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$91.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$93.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Buffalo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $80.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $79.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $94.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $91.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Buffalo grew 20.4% from $75.81/hr (2019) to $91.28/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $96.03/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buffalo 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Buffalo
For part-time controllers, working 24 hours a week can yield a reasonable annual income compared to a full-time schedule. With additional considerations like overtime, which often climbs to 1.5 times their base rate, many controllers find themselves significantly increasing their take-home pay; many experienced CPCs at bustling facilities routinely clock between 50-60 hours per week, leading to potential earnings exceeding $100,000 annually just from overtime. While most positions within FAA control towers, TRACONs, and en route centers maintain a pay scale consistent with the FG federal system, some may opt for roles at FAA contract towers, which might bear varying compensation structures. Controllers also face a strategic decision regarding the benefits trade-off: opting for a higher hourly rate often comes at the cost of insurance packages offered by larger entities. Those in Buffalo should consider negotiating for any potential perks, especially when transitioning to roles in different facilities where per diem air traffic controller pay can vary based on operational needs and staffing levels.
More salary data for Buffalo, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Buffalo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buffalo 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