Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jamestown, NY: $187,458 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Jamestown, NY earns a median $187,458/year (≈ $90.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Jamestown's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $161,741 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
High-pressure environments often lead to substantial overtime hours for air traffic controllers in Jamestown, NY, helping to elevate their overall compensation. In 2026, those in this role can expect a median annual salary of $187,458, notably higher than the national average of $151,886. The salary range for air traffic controllers in the area spans from approximately $108,725 at the 10th percentile to around $258,285 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost differences. With the local market exhibiting strengths in salary, conditions are favorable for air traffic controllers, given the increasing need for skilled staffing at air traffic facilities in the region.
About the Jamestown Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,725 | $52.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $139,653 | $67.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $187,458 | $90.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $234,898 | $112.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $258,285 | $124.17 |
Median Salary Position
23.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jamestown
In Jamestown, NY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $149,560 (2026 est.). At $187,458, the local median is 23.42% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jamestown: You'd be above the median
How Jamestown Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Jamestown median: $187,458/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jamestown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $192,858 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +23.42% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Jamestown, NY earn a median of $187,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.42% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.80% below the New York state average of $192,858.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jamestown has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jamestown, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $187,458 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $161,741 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$151,795
2025 BLS Actual
$182,761
2026 Current Est.
$187,458
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Jamestown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $151,795 | Actual |
| 2020 | $160,965 | Actual |
| 2021 | $160,138 | Actual |
| 2022 | $163,224 | Actual |
| 2023 | $169,555 | Actual |
| 2024 | $189,286 | Actual |
| 2025 | $182,761 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $187,458 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $192,276 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jamestown metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $151,795 (2019) to $182,761 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $192,276 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,481 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jamestown 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) | $108,725 – $139,653 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $139,653 – $187,458 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $187,458 – $234,898 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $234,898 – $258,285 |
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 Jamestown
With only five air traffic controllers currently employed in Jamestown, the job market remains concentrated yet competitive. The cost of living index at 115.9 indicates that while salaries are robust, the purchasing power may be impacted by higher living expenses. En route centers (ARTCCs) often pay the most in this field, as these facilities manage high-altitude traffic, whereas traditional control towers typically offer lower compensation due to varied facility levels. Factors contributing to the salary variance include CPC certification status, shift differentials, and abundant overtime opportunities resulting from chronic understaffing since 2013. Controllers looking to maximize their earnings best position themselves through continuous learning, securing CPC status, and pursuing opportunities at higher-tier facilities that offer more substantial compensation packages. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of air traffic controller pay in Jamestown, NY, is crucial for maximizing career potential in this field.
More salary data for Jamestown, 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 $182,761 for air traffic controllersin the Jamestown 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 Jamestown 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