Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lackawanna, NY: $180,472 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Lackawanna, NY earns a median $180,472/year (≈ $86.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Lackawanna's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $155,714 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Lackawanna, NY, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $180,472, eclipsing the national average by over 18%. Salaries in this field exhibit a broad range, with entry-level positions starting around $108,715 and seasoned professionals potentially earning up to $250,061. These figures reflect local estimates based on data from 2025 BLS OEWS, adjusted for regional cost variations. The investment in a Controller Pilot License (CPC) generally entails a 1-3 year timeline to reach full pay, influencing the overall compensation dynamics in Lackawanna’s job market. Given the small number of controllers (only 5 employed locally), opportunities for career progression and salary increases may be competitive.
About the Lackawanna Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,715 | $52.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $135,111 | $64.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $180,472 | $86.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $227,844 | $109.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $250,061 | $120.22 |
Median Salary Position
18.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lackawanna
In Lackawanna, NY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $141,346 (2026 est.). At $180,472, the local median is 18.82% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lackawanna: You'd be above the median
How Lackawanna Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Lackawanna median: $180,472/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lackawanna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $192,812 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +18.82% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Lackawanna, NY earn a median of $180,472 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.82% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 6.40% below the New York state average of $192,812.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lackawanna has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lackawanna, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $180,472 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $155,714 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$146,138
2025 BLS Actual
$175,950
2026 Current Est.
$180,472
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lackawanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $146,138 | Actual |
| 2020 | $154,966 | Actual |
| 2021 | $154,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $157,141 | Actual |
| 2023 | $163,236 | Actual |
| 2024 | $182,231 | Actual |
| 2025 | $175,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $180,472 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $185,110 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lackawanna metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $146,138 (2019) to $175,950 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $185,110 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,972 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lackawanna 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) | $108,715 – $135,111 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $135,111 – $180,472 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $180,472 – $227,844 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $227,844 – $250,061 |
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 Lackawanna
To effectively navigate air traffic controller pay in Lackawanna, understanding local economic factors is crucial. The cost of living index stands at 115.9, suggesting housing and expenses may be higher than the national average, thus impacting disposable income. Among local employers, FAA en route centers typically provide the highest salaries, followed by terminal radar approach controls (TRACONs) and airport traffic control towers, with military positions also offering competitive compensation. Factors such as shift differentials, CPC certification status—where developmental pay ranges from 65% to 75% of CPC—and mandatory overtime availability contribute significantly to compensation variability. Controllers should consider pursuing advanced roles in high-traffic facilities, as these positions often provide additional locality pay, overtime opportunities, and the potential for substantial bonuses on weekends and holidays—all of which can enhance overall earnings in Lackawanna’s unique job climate.
More salary data for Lackawanna, 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 $175,950 for air traffic controllersin the Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna 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