Air Traffic Controller Salary in Binghamton, NY: $190,780 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Binghamton, NY earns a median $190,780/year (≈ $91.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Binghamton's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $164,607 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Binghamton, NY, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $190,780, which significantly surpasses the national median of $151,886. Serving as an air traffic controller here typically involves a certification timeline of about 1-3 years, during which developmental controllers earn a salary range between $110,653 and $263,276. These figures are estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. This substantial pay level reflects not only the controller's expertise, but also the growing demand for skilled professionals in Binghamton's air traffic sector as the area continues to develop its aviation infrastructure.
About the Binghamton Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,653 | $53.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $142,016 | $68.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $190,780 | $91.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $238,880 | $114.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $263,276 | $126.57 |
Median Salary Position
25.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Binghamton
In Binghamton, NY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $152,623 (2026 est.). At $190,780, the local median is 25.61% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Binghamton: You'd be above the median
How Binghamton Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Binghamton median: $190,780/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Binghamton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $192,902 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +25.61% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Binghamton, NY earn a median of $190,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.61% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.10% below the New York state average of $192,902.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Binghamton has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Binghamton, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $190,780 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $164,607 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$154,485
2025 BLS Actual
$186,000
2026 Current Est.
$190,780
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Binghamton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $154,485 | Actual |
| 2020 | $163,818 | Actual |
| 2021 | $162,976 | Actual |
| 2022 | $166,116 | Actual |
| 2023 | $172,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $192,640 | Actual |
| 2025 | $186,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $190,780 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $195,683 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Binghamton metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $154,485 (2019) to $186,000 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $195,683 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,198 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Binghamton 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) | $110,653 – $142,016 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $142,016 – $190,780 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $190,780 – $238,880 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $238,880 – $263,276 |
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 Binghamton
The job market for air traffic controllers in Binghamton includes 13 professionals currently employed in the field, which suggests a relatively stable yet potentially competitive environment. The cost of living index in this region stands at 115.9, indicating that although salaries are robust, the local economic conditions impact real purchasing power. Among employers, those at FAA en route centers tend to offer the highest compensation, whereas FAA contract towers may provide less. Salary variations stem from factors such as facility levels, with more experienced controllers holding a CPC status receiving significantly higher pay compared to developmental roles. Locality adjustments, shift differentials, and the frequent requirement for overtime also contribute to disparities in earnings. For aspiring controllers focused on maximizing pay in Binghamton, strategic job placement and securing CPC certification can significantly enhance overall compensation, aligning with national pay trends while capitalizing on local opportunities.
More salary data for Binghamton, 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 $186,000 for air traffic controllersin the Binghamton 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 Binghamton 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