Air Traffic Controller Salary in Niagara Falls, NY: $189,972 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Niagara Falls, NY earns a median $189,972/year (≈ $91.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Niagara Falls's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $163,910 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in Niagara Falls, NY, the projected median annual salary for 2026 is $189,972, which exceeds the national median of $151,886 by a significant margin of 25.08%. The salary range varies widely—from $110,184 at the 10th percentile to $260,097 at the 90th percentile—reflecting the diverse responsibilities and qualifications within this occupation. These figures are derived from state-level data from 2025, adjusted for local cost of living, which stands at an index of 115.9. The prevailing staffing shortages in the area often lead to extended hours and mandatory overtime, effectively boosting earnings for those in the profession. Controllers can find that consistent overtime enables higher compensation, making it essential for those eyeing this career to understand the demanding nature of the job market in Niagara Falls.
About the Niagara Falls Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,184 | $52.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $136,780 | $65.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $189,972 | $91.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $237,186 | $114.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $260,097 | $125.04 |
Median Salary Position
25.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Niagara Falls
In Niagara Falls, NY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $149,913 (2026 est.). At $189,972, the local median is 25.08% above the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Niagara Falls: You'd be above the median
How Niagara Falls Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Niagara Falls median: $189,972/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Niagara Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $192,865 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +25.08% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Niagara Falls, NY earn a median of $189,972 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.08% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the New York state average of $192,865.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Niagara Falls has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Niagara Falls, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $189,972 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $163,910 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$153,831
2025 BLS Actual
$185,212
2026 Current Est.
$189,972
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Niagara Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $153,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $163,124 | Actual |
| 2021 | $162,286 | Actual |
| 2022 | $165,413 | Actual |
| 2023 | $171,829 | Actual |
| 2024 | $191,825 | Actual |
| 2025 | $185,212 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $189,972 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $194,854 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Niagara Falls metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $153,831 (2019) to $185,212 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $194,854 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,023 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Niagara Falls 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) | $110,184 – $136,780 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $136,780 – $189,972 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $189,972 – $237,186 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $237,186 – $260,097 |
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 Niagara Falls
In terms of local employment, only 10 air traffic controllers are currently in place in Niagara Falls, highlighting a concentrated job market that can further influence pay scales. While the elevated cost of living may affect overall purchasing power, it doesn’t overshadow the competitive pay structure that exists, particularly amongst facilities like FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACONs) and airport traffic control towers (ATCT). Controllers can optimize their earnings by seeking opportunities for overtime shifts, capitalizing on higher pay rates during weekends and holidays. Moreover, those in prominent en route facilities or advanced CPC certification statuses often enjoy more lucrative pay packages that surpass those in smaller operations. To maximize air traffic controller pay in Niagara Falls, aspiring candidates should strategically pursue roles that present opportunities for shift differentials and avoid low-traffic facilities, ensuring they take full advantage of the available compensation incentives within this unique market.
More salary data for Niagara Falls, 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 $185,212 for air traffic controllersin the Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls 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