Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Niagara Falls, NY: $91.33 (2026)

When evaluating the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers working approximately three days a week, the numbers can vary significantly when contrasted with full-time positions. Those committed to 24-hour weekly schedules find their annual earnings effectively influenced by overtime, often valued at 1.5 times their base pay. It is not uncommon for controllers in understaffed facilities to log 50-60 hours per week, allowing effective hourly compensation to climb considerably. Furthermore, per diem air traffic controller pay in Niagara Falls can fluctuate depending on specific training programs and facility transfers. Hourly rates also differ across employer categories—whether at FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, or within military air traffic control environments. While some controllers may opt for positions with a higher hourly rate without benefits, the federal employment model provides health insurance that can be financially beneficial over time. For those pursuing opportunities in Niagara Falls, savvy negotiation can yield substantial advantages, particularly regarding overtime and shift differentials, which are highly relevant in the context of chronic understaffing in the industry.