Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Binghamton, NY: $263,276 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Binghamton, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $263,276/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Binghamton's price premium (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $227,158 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior air traffic controllers in Binghamton, NY, can expect substantial earning potentials that reflect their expertise and experience. With a median annual salary projected at $190,780 for 2026, professionals in this field have the opportunity to reach impressive compensation levels, with the top 10% of earners (P90) making as much as $263,276. This figure not only positions Binghamton above the national median for air traffic controllers ($151,886) but also highlights the significant income gap between seasoned experts and their less experienced counterparts. Elevating to this top-tier pay requires a combination of years in service, specializations, and proven leadership capabilities that set individuals apart in a competitive workforce.
About the Binghamton Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Binghamton
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Binghamton earn between $238,880 and $263,276 per year (2026 est.). This $152,623 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Binghamton median of $190,780 sits 25.61% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Binghamton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $190,780 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $238,880 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $263,276 | $221,151 |
In Binghamton, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 38.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Binghamton
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $190,780 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Binghamton employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Binghamton command premium compensation, often reaching the $238,880–$263,276 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Binghamton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Binghamton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in New York who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Binghamton
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBinghamton ranks #21 of 38 New York cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $263,276).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Binghamton ($263,276) is 15.62% below the New York average P90 ($312,030).
2019 BLS Actual
$209,905
2025 BLS Actual
$256,679
2026 Current Est.
$263,276
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Binghamton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $209,905 | Actual |
| 2020 | $219,977 | Actual |
| 2021 | $221,417 | Actual |
| 2022 | $225,953 | Actual |
| 2023 | $239,274 | Actual |
| 2024 | $265,708 | Actual |
| 2025 | $256,679 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $263,276 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $270,042 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Binghamton saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $209,905 in 2019 to $256,679 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $270,042 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Binghamton 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Binghamton
The nature of air traffic control in Binghamton also dictates a diverse landscape of specialization options that can lead to enhanced compensation opportunities. Notably, positions focusing on en route and radar operations typically command the highest pay tiers, often found in facilities like FAA ARTCCs and TRACONs. Senior controllers may find varied compensation based on their employer type, with federal centers generally offering more robust pay compared to smaller contract-operated towers. Career advancement paths within the FAA, from developmental controller to traffic management coordinator and potentially ATC facility manager, offer prospects for further financial growth. Additionally, advanced certifications and recurrent training remain pivotal in this profession, significantly influencing salary trajectories. Non-salary benefits, such as locality premiums and shift differentials, can further enhance overall compensation, making this senior air traffic controller pay in NY particularly attractive amidst ongoing staffing challenges across the industry.
More salary data for Binghamton, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Binghamton in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Binghamton?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Binghamton?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Binghamton?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Binghamton?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $256,679 for air traffic controllers in the Binghamton metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Binghamton 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