Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Troy, NY: $93.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Troy, NY runs $93.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $194,683 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Troy's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $80.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $116,807 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Troy, New York, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at a robust $93.60, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This translates to substantial earnings for part-time controllers—those working three days a week can expect to earn around $54,336 annually, which is attractive for those seeking flexible work arrangements. The pay range for air traffic controllers in this area spans from $54.29 to $136.54 per hour, giving insight into entry-level earnings and the potential for experienced controllers to command top-tier rates. Typical settings for these professionals include en route radar consoles in dimly-lit control rooms, TRACON facilities near busy airports, and control towers offering panoramic views. Such environments require constant focus and situational awareness, making the pay reflective of the high demands of the job.
About the Troy 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) | $54.29 | $434.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67.39 | $539.11 |
| Median (P50) | $93.60 | $748.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119.80 | $958.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136.54 | $1092.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Troy
Based on $93.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $93.60/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Troy, NY can expect to earn approximately $194,678 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $112,314. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Troy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Troy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,743.81 | $16,223 | $194,678 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,246.28 | $9,734 | $116,807 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,497.52 | $6,489 | $77,871 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Troy) | $93.60 |
| 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 Troy, NY earn a median of $194,683 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.18% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% above the New York state average of $192,755.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $93.60/hr = $116,807/year (purchasing power: $100,782).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $194,678/year (purchasing power: $167,971).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$75.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$91.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$93.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Troy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $80.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $79.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $81.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $84.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $94.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $91.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Troy grew 20.4% from $75.79/hr (2019) to $91.25/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $96.00/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 Troy 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 Troy
Examining the earning potential for part-time controllers in Troy reveals stark contrasts compared to those who hold full-time positions. A part-time worker managing a 24-hour schedule each week could realistically take home about $54,336 each year, whereas full-time counterparts often garner considerably more due to overtime—working 50-60 hours weekly can easily push total annual compensation to between $200,000 and $300,000, especially when overtime pay is factored in at 1.5 times the base rate. For those pursuing per diem roles, pay can be negotiable, allowing for heightened earnings during training or transitions between facilities. Air traffic controller hourly rates can also fluctuate based on employment type, with FAA facilities, military roles, and contract positions offering different compensation structures. Factors such as benefits packages can heavily influence decisions; some controllers might accept lower hourly rates for the stability of health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Effective negotiation can be pivotal, particularly in a market like Troy, where the combination of chronic understaffing and high demand for skilled air traffic controllers creates opportunities for leveraging experience into increased earnings.
More salary data for Troy, 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 Troy. 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 Troy 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