Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Cortland, NY: $85.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Cortland, NY runs $85.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $177,557 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Cortland's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $106,541 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
While working in Cortland, NY, an air traffic controller can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $85.37, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive pay reflects not only the specific demands of the position but also the cost of living in the area. Part-time air traffic controllers, often working three days a week and clocking around 24 hours, may take home a substantial amount given this hourly rate. For those engaged in per-diem roles, whether at en route centers, TRACONs, or airport traffic control towers, pay can vary widely, ranging from $49.51 to $115.70 per hour. Entry-level personnel start at approximately $49.51, while top earners can make as much as $115.70 per hour, making it a lucrative career path with diverse earning potential depending on experience and facility type.
About the Cortland 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) | $49.51 | $396.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.21 | $497.67 |
| Median (P50) | $85.37 | $682.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.99 | $863.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.70 | $925.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cortland
Based on $85.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $85.37/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cortland, NY can expect to earn approximately $177,568 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $102,443. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cortland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cortland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,414.76 | $14,797 | $177,568 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,048.86 | $8,878 | $106,541 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,365.90 | $5,919 | $71,027 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Cortland) | $85.37 |
| 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 Cortland, NY earn a median of $177,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $192,787.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $85.37/hr = $106,541/year (purchasing power: $91,925).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $177,568/year (purchasing power: $153,208).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$69.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$83.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$85.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $73.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $74.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $77.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $83.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Cortland grew 20.4% from $69.13/hr (2019) to $83.23/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.56/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 Cortland 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 Cortland
Comparing the earnings of part-time versus full-time air traffic controllers in the region highlights the appeal of this profession. A part-time controller could realistically take home over $100,000 annually by working just 24 hours a week at the median hourly pay. However, many controllers take on additional hours, often working 50 to 60 hours a week, driven by staff shortages. This extended schedule not only boosts their overall pay but can also push effective hourly compensation well above the base rate, especially with time-and-a-half overtime payments in certain scenarios. Pay rates differ across employer types in Cortland; FAA en route centers tend to offer higher compensation than smaller municipal towers. Moreover, some controllers may opt for lower hourly rates at facilities that provide health benefits, highlighting the benefits trade-off in this field. When negotiating salaries, controllers should focus on their total compensation package, premium pay for overtime, and the potential for per diem work opportunities to ensure they maximize their earnings potential.
More salary data for Cortland, 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 Cortland. 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 Cortland 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