Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Syracuse, NY: $95.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Syracuse, NY runs $95.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $199,582 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Syracuse's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $82.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $119,751 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Syracuse, New York, the projected hourly median pay for air traffic controllers is $95.95, well above the national median of $73.02. This rate offers substantial earning potential for both full-time and part-time controllers, particularly those working part-time at around three days a week. In typical working environments—from the en route center radar consoles to the bustling airport traffic control towers—air traffic controllers are often stationed at control facilities that define modern aviation. Entry-level controllers might start their careers at $55.65 per hour, while the most experienced can command up to $139.93 an hour, indicating a significant progression in earning power within the profession. These hourly rates, derived from annual salary data, reflect the dynamic nature of air traffic control roles, which require intense focus and expertise in a variety of challenging settings.
About the Syracuse 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) | $55.65 | $445.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69.08 | $552.65 |
| Median (P50) | $95.95 | $767.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122.82 | $982.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $139.93 | $1119.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Syracuse
Based on $95.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $95.95/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Syracuse, NY can expect to earn approximately $199,585 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $115,145. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Syracuse.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Syracuse
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,838.17 | $16,632 | $199,585 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,302.90 | $9,979 | $119,751 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,535.27 | $6,653 | $79,834 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Syracuse) | $95.95 |
| 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 Syracuse, NY earn a median of $199,582 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.40% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% above the New York state average of $192,833.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $95.95/hr = $119,751/year (purchasing power: $103,323).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $199,585/year (purchasing power: $172,204).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$77.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$93.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$95.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $82.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $81.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $83.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $86.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $96.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $93.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Syracuse grew 20.4% from $77.70/hr (2019) to $93.55/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $98.42/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 Syracuse 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 Syracuse
For those contemplating a part-time position, an air traffic controller working 24 hours a week could earn roughly $75,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time earnings that may reach upwards of $200,000, particularly with overtime factored in. With chronic staffing shortages across various facilities, many controllers find themselves working upwards of 50-60 hour weeks, which can push effective hourly compensation significantly higher, sometimes exceeding base rates by $50,000 to $100,000 annually due to overtime. This reality is especially notable in Syracuse, where different employment types yield varying hourly rates. FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, and airport traffic control towers all represent unique pay structures, with controllers often weighing the benefits of higher rates against the comprehensive health benefits provided at some positions. When negotiating compensation, controllers should consider these nuances and be ready to discuss per diem air traffic controller pay while also staying informed on prevailing rates at local facilities to ensure they secure a fair deal.
More salary data for Syracuse, 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 Syracuse. 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 Syracuse 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