Air Traffic Controller Salary in Albany, NY: $186,314 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Albany, NY earns a median $186,314/year (≈ $89.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Albany's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $160,754 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Albany, NY can expect competitive compensation, with a median annual salary projected at $186,314 for 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $151,886. This robust figure is enhanced by the potential for overtime earnings, making 50 to 60-hour work weeks common in understaffed facilities, which effectively boosts total compensation for controllers in the region. The salary range for these roles varies extensively, from $108,063 at the 10th percentile to $266,824 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse levels of experience, certification, and facility type among air traffic controllers. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, illustrate Albany's competitive job market for air traffic control, enticing both seasoned professionals and newcomers in the industry.
About the Albany Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,063 | $51.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $134,146 | $64.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $186,314 | $89.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $238,482 | $114.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $266,824 | $128.28 |
Median Salary Position
22.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albany
In Albany, NY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $158,761 (2026 est.). At $186,314, the local median is 22.67% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Albany: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Albany Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Albany median: $186,314/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Albany Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $192,872 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +22.67% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Albany, NY earn a median of $186,314 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.67% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% below the New York state average of $192,872.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Albany has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Albany, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $186,314 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $160,754 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$150,869
2025 BLS Actual
$181,646
2026 Current Est.
$186,314
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $150,869 | Actual |
| 2020 | $159,983 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $181,646 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $186,314 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $191,103 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Albany metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $150,869 (2019) to $181,646 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $191,103 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,234 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $108,063 – $134,146 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $134,146 – $186,314 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $186,314 – $238,482 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $238,482 – $266,824 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Albany
In Albany, the air traffic controller pay dynamics are influenced by a variety of local factors. Currently, there are 18 controllers employed in the area, and the cost of living index stands at 115.9, highlighting that while salaries are strong, take-home pay will feel the impact of higher living costs. Among the major employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the most lucrative opportunities due to their responsibility for high-altitude traffic management, while FAA terminal TRACONs and ATCTs provide differing compensation based on their respective operations. The salary spread is driven by several key factors including facility levels, with en route positions typically earning more than terminal or tower roles, as well as certifications like CPC status. Adjustments for shift differentials, mandatory overtime, and locality pay all contribute to the variability in earnings. Aspiring controllers in Albany should focus on obtaining CPC certification as quickly as possible and taking advantage of overtime opportunities to maximize their earning potential in a market marked by chronic staffing shortages, ensuring a financially rewarding career in air traffic control.
More salary data for Albany, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $181,646 for air traffic controllersin the Albany metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Albany 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