Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rome, NY: $185,139 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Rome, NY earns a median $185,139/year (≈ $89.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Rome's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $159,740 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for air traffic controllers in Rome, NY, is projected to be $185,139, marking a significant 21.89% increase compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary range starts at $107,381 for entry-level positions (P10) and goes up to $262,617 for those in more advanced roles (P90). These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, highlighting the attractive compensation package for air traffic controller positions in this area. Given the chronic understaffing of air traffic control facilities across the country, many controllers in Rome work between 50 to 60 hours weekly, which often results in higher overall earnings due to overtime and additional compensatory pay structures.
About the Rome Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,381 | $51.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $135,128 | $64.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $185,139 | $89.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $229,209 | $110.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $262,617 | $126.25 |
Median Salary Position
21.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rome
In Rome, NY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $155,236 (2026 est.). At $185,139, the local median is 21.89% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rome: You'd be above the median
How Rome Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Rome median: $185,139/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rome Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $192,853 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +21.89% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Rome, NY earn a median of $185,139 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.89% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.00% below the New York state average of $192,853.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rome has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rome, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $185,139 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $159,740 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$149,917
2025 BLS Actual
$180,500
2026 Current Est.
$185,139
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $149,917 | Actual |
| 2020 | $158,974 | Actual |
| 2021 | $158,157 | Actual |
| 2022 | $161,204 | Actual |
| 2023 | $167,457 | Actual |
| 2024 | $186,944 | Actual |
| 2025 | $180,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $185,139 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $189,897 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rome metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $149,917 (2019) to $180,500 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $189,897 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,980 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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) | $107,381 – $135,128 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $135,128 – $185,139 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $185,139 – $229,209 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $229,209 – $262,617 |
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 Rome
The air traffic controller job market in Rome shows strength with only six professionals currently employed in this field, indicating a tight labor pool. The prevailing cost of living index stands at 115.9, which slightly elevates the financial landscape for controllers when considering their take-home purchasing power. In terms of employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the most lucrative salaries in the area, followed by terminal radar approach control facilities and FAA airport traffic control towers. The variance in compensation can be traced to factors such as facility tier levels, CPC certification status, mandatory overtime, and shift differentials. Controllers can maximize their incomes by pursuing advanced certifications and actively seeking opportunities within higher-tier facilities while adapting to the demands of an industry characterized by a persistent need for qualified personnel.
More salary data for Rome, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Rome?
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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 $180,500 for air traffic controllersin the Rome 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 Rome 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