Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Poughkeepsie, NY: $91.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Poughkeepsie, NY runs $91.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $189,927 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Poughkeepsie's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $78.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $113,952 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Poughkeepsie, New York, the air traffic controller hourly pay is estimated at $91.31, substantially higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This premium can be particularly advantageous for part-time workers engaging in three-day work weeks, as they can earn around $4,000 weekly with consistent 24-hour shifts. Air traffic controllers typically operate from various settings, such as en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control tower cabs, where they manage complex airspace operations. The hourly range for this profession in Poughkeepsie spans from $52.96 for entry-level positions to an estimated $128.43 for top earners, reflecting diverse responsibilities and the critical nature of their work. These estimates are derived from projected annual salaries, which can affect the job's appeal to those considering part-time or per diem roles.
About the Poughkeepsie 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) | $52.96 | $423.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.75 | $525.98 |
| Median (P50) | $91.31 | $730.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115.81 | $926.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128.43 | $1027.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Poughkeepsie
Based on $91.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $91.31/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Poughkeepsie, NY can expect to earn approximately $189,920 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $109,569. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Poughkeepsie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Poughkeepsie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,652.31 | $15,827 | $189,920 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,191.39 | $9,496 | $113,952 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,460.93 | $6,331 | $75,968 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Poughkeepsie) | $91.31 |
| 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 Poughkeepsie, NY earn a median of $189,927 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.05% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the New York state average of $192,819.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $91.31/hr = $113,952/year (purchasing power: $98,319).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $189,920/year (purchasing power: $163,866).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$73.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$89.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$91.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Poughkeepsie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $78.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $78.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $79.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $82.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $92.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $89.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Poughkeepsie grew 20.4% from $73.94/hr (2019) to $89.02/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $93.65/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 Poughkeepsie 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 Poughkeepsie
For air traffic controllers working part-time in Poughkeepsie, the financial landscape varies greatly compared to their full-time counterparts. By working 24 hours a week, a part-time controller could take home approximately $118,000 annually, a solid income by most standards. However, many controllers in this profession find that per diem arrangements or agency placements often provide a higher earning potential, particularly due to the opportunity for overtime, which can significantly boost their compensation. Controllers frequently work 50-60 hour weeks, putting their earnings anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 above their base rate. This trend is prevalent across different employer types in Poughkeepsie, including FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach controls, which offer varied pay structures. The trade-off for higher hourly rates can come with fewer benefits, leading some to accept slightly lower pay for more comprehensive health insurance. Negotiating effectively in this competitive environment can lead to favorable outcomes, especially for those familiar with the intricacies of the air traffic control pay scale in NY, which remains distinct from standard government pay structures.
More salary data for Poughkeepsie, 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 Poughkeepsie. 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 Poughkeepsie 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