Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kingston, NY: $250,958 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Kingston, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $250,958/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Kingston's price premium (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $216,530 in average-cost America. The 39% 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 Kingston, NY, can expect significantly rewarding compensation, especially at the top of the salary spectrum, where the 2026 projections indicate a potential earning of $250,958 at the 90th percentile. This figure not only highlights a substantial premium compared to the median annual salary of $180,747 but also positions Kingston's top earners well above the 2026 national benchmark of $151,886. Achieving such high-level pay requires extensive experience, often exceeding seven years, as well as strategic career moves into specialized areas such as en route or military air traffic control. The journey to top-tier earnings involves not just refined skillsets but also a commitment to ongoing education and certification, such as attaining CPC status and potentially evolving into higher managerial roles.
About the Kingston Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kingston
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Kingston earn between $228,510 and $250,958 per year (2026 est.). This $141,609 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kingston median of $180,747 sits 19% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Kingston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $180,747 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $228,510 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $250,958 | $221,151 |
In Kingston, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 38.84% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Kingston
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $180,747 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kingston employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Kingston command premium compensation, often reaching the $228,510–$250,958 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kingston 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 Kingston 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 Kingston
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKingston ranks #32 of 38 New York cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $250,958).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Kingston ($250,958) is 19.57% below the New York average P90 ($312,030).
2019 BLS Actual
$200,084
2025 BLS Actual
$244,670
2026 Current Est.
$250,958
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kingston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $200,084 | Actual |
| 2020 | $209,685 | Actual |
| 2021 | $211,058 | Actual |
| 2022 | $215,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $228,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $253,282 | Actual |
| 2025 | $244,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $250,958 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $257,408 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Kingston saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $200,084 in 2019 to $244,670 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 $257,408 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingston 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 Kingston
Compensation strategies for senior air traffic controllers in Kingston vary significantly depending on employer type and specialization. At the highest tier, controllers focused on en route and radar operations often command premium salaries from FAA facilities that handle high-altitude traffic, while those in terminal radar or tower operations earn at competitive rates, albeit usually lower than en route counterparts. Senior-level roles like traffic management coordinators (TMC) and FAA Academy instructors can also result in elevated pay scales. The pathway to leadership positions, whether transitioning from developmental controller to certified professional controller or moving into supervisory roles, often leads to increased compensation. Enhanced qualifications and certifications can dramatically influence pay, as can factors such as shift differentials and locality adjustments. Additionally, the ongoing demand due to chronic staffing shortages in the region may create advantageous circumstances for seasoned professionals seeking to negotiate better remuneration packages.
More salary data for Kingston, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Kingston in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Kingston?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Kingston?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Kingston?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Kingston?
Related Pages
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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 $244,670 for air traffic controllers in the Kingston 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 Kingston 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