Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Watertown, NY: $91.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Watertown, NY runs $91.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $191,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $79.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $114,733 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, NY, an air traffic controller can expect to earn an hourly median rate of $91.93, which is significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This competitive pay scale means that those working part-time, for example three days a week, can still earn a substantial income while enjoying a balanced schedule. With a pay range from $53.33 at the entry-level to $127.30 for top earners, air traffic controllers in this region can find rewarding opportunities in various settings, such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport towers. The hour-to-hour pay reflects projections based on 2025 BLS data, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the earning potential across different positions and levels of experience within the profession.
About the Watertown 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) | $53.33 | $426.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66.20 | $529.59 |
| Median (P50) | $91.93 | $735.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115.38 | $923.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127.30 | $1018.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $91.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $91.93/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, NY can expect to earn approximately $191,222 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $110,320. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,677.34 | $15,935 | $191,222 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,206.40 | $9,561 | $114,733 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,470.94 | $6,374 | $76,489 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Watertown) | $91.93 |
| 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 Watertown, NY earn a median of $191,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.90% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the New York state average of $192,772.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $91.93/hr = $114,733/year (purchasing power: $98,993).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $191,222/year (purchasing power: $164,988).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$74.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$89.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$91.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $78.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $78.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $80.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $83.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $92.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $89.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Watertown grew 20.4% from $74.44/hr (2019) to $89.63/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $94.30/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
While a full-time air traffic controller in Watertown will undoubtedly see a lucrative paycheck, part-time work offers its own advantages. A controller working a 24-hour week might bring home $108,000 annually, a figure that can exceed $200,000 with overtime, as many facilities are experiencing chronic understaffing. For per-diem or agency roles, negotiating pay is essential since those positions can fluctuate based on demand and experience. Controllers navigating the FAA pay scale must consider the type of facility, whether it be an ARTCC, TRACON, or military base, as pay rates vary significantly across these environments. Additionally, some may choose to prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits, while others might opt for lower pay with comprehensive healthcare coverage. Understanding these dynamics is key when stepping into the air traffic controller hourly pay landscape in Watertown.
More salary data for Watertown, 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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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