Air Traffic Controller Salary in Saratoga Springs, NY: $185,259 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Saratoga Springs, NY earns a median $185,259/year (≈ $89.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Saratoga Springs's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $159,844 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Saratoga Springs, NY, can anticipate a median annual salary of $185,259 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national average of $151,886. This salary range spans from $107,450 at the 10th percentile to $269,572 at the 90th percentile, indicating robust earning potential that reflects the demands of the job, including frequent overtime. These figures, derived from state-level BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, underscore how effective compensation is often bolstered by the necessity for controllers to work 50 to 60-hour weeks, particularly in facilities facing staffing shortages. Given the highly specialized nature of the role, Saratoga Springs's job market is uniquely positioned to offer competitive salaries that not only attract talent but also retain experienced professionals.
About the Saratoga Springs Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,450 | $51.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $135,361 | $65.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $185,259 | $89.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $229,497 | $110.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $269,572 | $129.60 |
Median Salary Position
21.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Saratoga Springs
In Saratoga Springs, NY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $162,122 (2026 est.). At $185,259, the local median is 21.97% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Saratoga Springs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Saratoga Springs Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Saratoga Springs median: $185,259/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Saratoga Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $192,777 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +21.97% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Saratoga Springs, NY earn a median of $185,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.97% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.90% below the New York state average of $192,777.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Saratoga Springs has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Saratoga Springs, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $185,259 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $159,844 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$150,014
2025 BLS Actual
$180,617
2026 Current Est.
$185,259
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Saratoga Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $150,014 | Actual |
| 2020 | $159,077 | Actual |
| 2021 | $158,259 | Actual |
| 2022 | $161,309 | Actual |
| 2023 | $167,566 | Actual |
| 2024 | $187,065 | Actual |
| 2025 | $180,617 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $185,259 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $190,020 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Saratoga Springs metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $150,014 (2019) to $180,617 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $190,020 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,006 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Saratoga Springs 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) | $107,450 – $135,361 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $135,361 – $185,259 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $185,259 – $229,497 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $229,497 – $269,572 |
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 Saratoga Springs
In Saratoga Springs, there is currently a workforce of seven air traffic controllers, highlighting a niche market that can be influenced by local demand and pay structures. The cost of living index stands at 115.9, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the effective purchasing power might be modestly challenged. Among local employers, FAA facilities, such as terminal radar approach control (TRACONs) or airport traffic control towers (ATCT), are likely to offer varying pay rates, influenced by facility tier levels and employee certification statuses. Factors contributing to the substantial pay spread include the specific facility arrangement—en route centers generally offering more than tower operations—as well as shift differentials, overtime availability, and locality pay that enhances earnings. For controllers in this area, maximizing pay could involve seeking out positions in higher-tier facilities or actively pursuing overtime opportunities, given the persistent staffing issues within the FAA.
More salary data for Saratoga Springs, 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 $180,617 for air traffic controllersin the Saratoga Springs 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 Saratoga Springs 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