Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Schenectady, NY: $89.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Schenectady, NY runs $89.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $186,756 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Schenectady's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $77.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $112,058 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Schenectady, New York, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at an impressive $89.79, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $73.02. This elevated rate reflects both the specialized skills required and the challenging environment in which air traffic controllers operate. Working in settings like en route center radar consoles and airport control towers, a part-time air traffic controller working three days a week could earn a substantial income, while per-diem opportunities allow for flexibility and potentially higher earnings during peak periods. The hourly pay ranges from $52.07 at the 10th percentile to $129.23 at the 90th percentile, accommodating both entry-level and experienced professionals. These figures are estimated based on projected annual salaries, underlining how critical air traffic controllers are in ensuring smooth aviation operations across the country and, particularly, in New York.
About the Schenectady 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) | $52.07 | $416.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.65 | $517.20 |
| Median (P50) | $89.79 | $718.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114.93 | $919.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129.23 | $1033.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Schenectady
Based on $89.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $89.79/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Schenectady, NY can expect to earn approximately $186,763 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $107,748. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Schenectady.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Schenectady
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,591.59 | $15,564 | $186,763 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,154.95 | $9,338 | $112,058 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,436.64 | $6,225 | $74,705 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Schenectady) | $89.79 |
| 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 Schenectady, NY earn a median of $186,756 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.96% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.20% below the New York state average of $192,930.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $89.79/hr = $112,058/year (purchasing power: $96,685).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $186,763/year (purchasing power: $161,141).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$72.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$87.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$89.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Schenectady (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $77.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $76.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $78.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $81.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $90.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $87.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Schenectady grew 20.4% from $72.71/hr (2019) to $87.54/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $92.10/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 Schenectady 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 Schenectady
Considering the benefits of part-time versus full-time work, a controller who averages 24 hours a week could take home over $139,000 annually, a compelling figure given the demanding nature of the role. Many air traffic controllers earn additional pay through overtime; it's common for controllers at understaffed facilities to work 50-60 hours weekly, which can add $50,000 to $100,000+ in annual compensation through overtime at 1.5 times the base rate. Various employers across Schenectady, including FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, and military air traffic control, offer differing hourly rates, impacting overall earnings and job satisfaction. Factors such as health insurance and work flexibility come into play when controllers choose between higher hourly rates without benefits and more stable positions with benefits included. For those working as per diem air traffic controllers in Schenectady, negotiating hourly rates while understanding the local demand and contractual obligations can lead to advantageous pay outcomes.
More salary data for Schenectady, 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 Schenectady. 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 Schenectady 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