Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Saratoga Springs, NY: $89.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Saratoga Springs, NY runs $89.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $185,259 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Saratoga Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $111,162 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Saratoga Springs, New York, the air traffic controller hourly pay is quite competitive, sitting at an estimated $89.07 per hour in 2026. This rate surpasses the national hourly median of $73.02, making it a lucrative option for professionals in the field. Air traffic controllers typically work in various settings such as en route centers, terminal radar facilities, and airport control towers, where they manage airspace from dimly lit control rooms to high vantage points with expansive views. For part-time workers, scheduled for three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a strong potential income, providing more flexibility while still earning a considerable amount. The pay range for controllers in the area varies significantly, spanning from $51.65 per hour for entry-level positions to up to $129.60 for the most experienced, highlighting the opportunity for career progression within this role.
About the Saratoga Springs 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) | $51.65 | $413.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.08 | $520.65 |
| Median (P50) | $89.07 | $712.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110.33 | $882.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129.60 | $1036.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Saratoga Springs
Based on $89.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $89.07/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Saratoga Springs, NY can expect to earn approximately $185,269 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $106,886. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Saratoga Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Saratoga Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,562.87 | $15,439 | $185,269 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,137.72 | $9,263 | $111,162 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,425.15 | $6,176 | $74,108 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Saratoga Springs) | $89.07 |
| 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 Saratoga Springs, NY earn a median of $185,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.97% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.90% below the New York state average of $192,777.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $89.07/hr = $111,162/year (purchasing power: $95,912).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $185,269/year (purchasing power: $159,853).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$72.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$86.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$89.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Saratoga Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $76.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $76.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $77.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $80.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $89.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $86.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Saratoga Springs grew 20.4% from $72.13/hr (2019) to $86.84/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $91.36/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 Saratoga Springs 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 Saratoga Springs
Exploring the dynamics of air traffic controller compensation in Saratoga Springs reveals nuances, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers. A controller working just three days a week, totaling 24 hours, may earn an annual income reflecting a significant yet reduced salary compared to full-time peers, with fewer benefits attached. Moreover, the reality of per-diem and agency assignments often leads to lucrative overtime opportunities—where controllers may log 50 to 60 hours weekly, pushing their effective hourly compensation substantially higher. Controllers at FAA facilities benefit from specific agreements that can boost hourly wages through overtime, dramatically enhancing their earnings potential. Hourly pay can differ based on employment type; for example, FAA en route centers typically provide higher compensation than smaller contract towers. Despite this variability, many controllers choose positions offering lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits packages. Practical negotiation tips advise referring to the unique characteristics of assignment types in Saratoga Springs when discussing compensation, aiming for a balance between salary expectations and job security.
More salary data for Saratoga Springs, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Saratoga Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Saratoga Springs?
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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 Saratoga Springs. 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 Saratoga Springs 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