Air Traffic Controller Salary in Amsterdam, NY: $180,385 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Amsterdam, NY earns a median $180,385/year (≈ $86.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Amsterdam's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $155,638 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Amsterdam, NY, the air traffic controller salary is projected to reach an impressive $180,385 in 2026. This figure is particularly notable when compared to the national median of $151,886, reflecting a substantial 18.76% premium for local controllers. With a salary range spanning from $108,319 at the lower end (P10) to $238,573 at the upper end (P90), the opportunities for advancement within air traffic control roles in Amsterdam are significant. These estimates, informed by BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlight how potential earnings can vary widely based on expertise and position. As controllers progress to Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, often within a timeline of 1-3 years, they can expect to see their compensation climb toward the upper levels of this pay scale, a promising aspect of Amsterdam's employment outlook for aspiring controllers.
About the Amsterdam Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,319 | $52.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $134,939 | $64.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $180,385 | $86.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $221,102 | $106.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $238,573 | $114.69 |
Median Salary Position
18.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, NY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,254 (2026 est.). At $180,385, the local median is 18.76% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Amsterdam: You'd be above the median
How Amsterdam Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Amsterdam median: $180,385/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Amsterdam Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $192,925 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +18.76% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Amsterdam, NY earn a median of $180,385 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 6.50% below the New York state average of $192,925.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Amsterdam has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Amsterdam, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $180,385 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $155,638 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$146,067
2025 BLS Actual
$175,865
2026 Current Est.
$180,385
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Amsterdam (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $146,067 | Actual |
| 2020 | $154,891 | Actual |
| 2021 | $154,096 | Actual |
| 2022 | $157,065 | Actual |
| 2023 | $163,157 | Actual |
| 2024 | $182,143 | Actual |
| 2025 | $175,865 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $180,385 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $185,021 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Amsterdam metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $146,067 (2019) to $175,865 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $185,021 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,954 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amsterdam 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) | $108,319 – $134,939 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $134,939 – $180,385 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $180,385 – $221,102 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $221,102 – $238,573 |
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 Amsterdam
Currently, there are six air traffic controllers in Amsterdam, NY, navigating a job market that reflects both regional stability and the impact of cost of living adjustments, evidenced by a cost-of-living index of 115.9. This index, above the national average, suggests a careful balancing act between salary levels and local purchasing power, which is crucial for controllers settling in the area. Among the primary employers, FAA facilities typically pay higher wages, with en route centers generally offering the top salaries due to the complexity of managing high-altitude traffic. Factors like CPC certification status, shift differentials, and mandatory overtime significantly influence the pay scale, with peak earnings possible for those willing to work less desirable shifts or for extended hours. For those pursuing a lucrative career in air traffic control in Amsterdam, focusing on getting CPC certified and seeking opportunities at en route facilities or those providing additional pay incentives, such as working weekends or holidays, can maximize earning potential.
More salary data for Amsterdam, 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 $175,865 for air traffic controllersin the Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam 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