Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Glens Falls, NY: $242,451 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Glens Falls, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $242,451/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Glens Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $209,190 in average-cost America. The 32% 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 Glens Falls, New York, can expect competitive compensation, with a 2026 median annual salary projected at $183,400. For those at the upper end of the spectrum, the salary range reaches a remarkable $242,451, signifying the high earning potential within this profession in the region. Notably, this top tier of pay surpasses the national average significantly, highlighting a robust market for experienced professionals. The gap between the median salary and the highest earners showcases the premium that experience brings, indicating that reaching the pinnacle of such compensation often requires extensive tenure and advanced skillsets in specific air traffic specialties or leadership positions.
About the Glens Falls Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glens Falls
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Glens Falls earn between $224,320 and $242,451 per year (2026 est.). This $136,079 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Glens Falls median of $183,400 sits 20.75% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Glens Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $183,400 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $224,320 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $242,451 | $221,151 |
In Glens Falls, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 32.20% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Glens Falls
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $183,400 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Glens Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Glens Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $224,320–$242,451 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Glens Falls 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 Glens Falls 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 Glens Falls
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGlens Falls ranks #35 of 38 New York cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $242,451).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Glens Falls ($242,451) is 22.3% below the New York average P90 ($312,030).
2019 BLS Actual
$193,302
2025 BLS Actual
$236,376
2026 Current Est.
$242,451
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Glens Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $193,302 | Actual |
| 2020 | $202,577 | Actual |
| 2021 | $203,903 | Actual |
| 2022 | $208,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $220,348 | Actual |
| 2024 | $244,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $236,376 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $242,451 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $248,682 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Glens Falls saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $193,302 in 2019 to $236,376 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 $248,682 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glens 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Glens Falls
Compensation for senior air traffic controllers in Glens Falls is influenced by various factors, particularly specializations that command premium pay rates. For instance, controllers working in en route and radar facilities typically earn the highest salaries due to the complexities involved in managing high-altitude air traffic. In contrast, positions at FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACONs) and airport traffic control towers may offer lower pay brackets, although opportunities like traffic management coordinators and FAA Academy instructors present significant advancement paths. The type of employer plays a crucial role as well, with FAA en route centers and military ATC positions generally providing superior compensation compared to FAA contract towers. By advancing through established pathways—from developmental controller to traffic management coordinator or operations supervisor—experienced professionals can strategically position themselves for leadership roles that enhance earning potential. Additionally, advanced credentials and certifications, alongside factors like locality pay and shift differentials, can further bolster overall earnings beyond the base salary expected in Glens Falls.
More salary data for Glens Falls, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Glens Falls in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Glens Falls?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Glens Falls?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Glens Falls?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Glens Falls?
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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 $236,376 for air traffic controllers in the Glens Falls 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 Glens 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