Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jamestown, NY: $258,285 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Jamestown, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $258,285/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Jamestown's price premium (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $222,852 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
Securing a senior air traffic controller role in Jamestown, NY, comes with lucrative financial rewards that highlight the profession's experience premium. The median annual salary for seasoned professionals in this area is projected to reach $187,458 in 2026, while top earners can expect to make upwards of $258,285. This competitive pay puts Jamestown's top salaries well above the national average, with the P90 salary being approximately 23.42% higher than the national median of $151,886. To attain these high pay levels, controllers must not only have extensive experience—seven years or more—but also often have specialized skills in areas such as en route or terminal radar operations. Building expertise in these functions helps set experienced air traffic controllers apart, paving the way to advanced positions and higher compensation.
About the Jamestown Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jamestown
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Jamestown earn between $234,898 and $258,285 per year (2026 est.). This $149,560 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jamestown median of $187,458 sits 23.42% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Jamestown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $187,458 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $234,898 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $258,285 | $221,151 |
In Jamestown, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 37.78% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Jamestown
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $187,458 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jamestown employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Jamestown command premium compensation, often reaching the $234,898–$258,285 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jamestown 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 Jamestown 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 Jamestown
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedJamestown ranks #27 of 38 New York cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $258,285).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Jamestown ($258,285) is 17.22% below the New York average P90 ($312,030).
2019 BLS Actual
$205,926
2025 BLS Actual
$251,813
2026 Current Est.
$258,285
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Jamestown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $205,926 | Actual |
| 2020 | $215,806 | Actual |
| 2021 | $217,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $221,669 | Actual |
| 2023 | $234,738 | Actual |
| 2024 | $260,671 | Actual |
| 2025 | $251,813 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $258,285 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $264,923 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Jamestown saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $205,926 in 2019 to $251,813 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 $264,923 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jamestown 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 Jamestown
Compensation for senior air traffic controllers in Jamestown can vary significantly based on specialization and the type of facility. For instance, controllers specializing in en route operations typically earn at the highest tier, while those working in TRACON or tower settings may see slightly less, though still substantial, earnings. FAA facilities such as ARTCCs, TRACONs, and airport traffic control towers offer varied salary scales, with military and civilian Department of Defense roles often having different pay structures. Controllers can follow well-defined career paths, progressing from developmental positions to certified professional controller (CPC) roles and beyond, possibly leading to management positions. Advanced credentials, including CPC certification, can influence pay, particularly in settings with additional shifts and overtime pressures. Additionally, factors like locality pay, status in the certification hierarchy, and shift differentials can further enhance the overall salary package, demonstrating that senior air traffic controller pay in NY is not just about base salary, but a combination of various compensation avenues.
More salary data for Jamestown, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Jamestown in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Jamestown?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Jamestown?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Jamestown?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Jamestown?
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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 $251,813 for air traffic controllers in the Jamestown 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 Jamestown 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