Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rome, NY: $262,617 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Rome, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $262,617/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Rome's price premium (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $226,589 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an experienced air traffic controller in Rome, NY, can anticipate a lucrative career with a median annual salary of $185,139. The top-tier earners in this field, positioned at the 90th percentile, can expect to take home as much as $262,617 per year, illustrating a significant gap between the median and top earners. This experience premium reflects the value that senior professionals bring to air traffic control, especially in high-pressure environments. Those aiming for the upper echelons of pay typically cultivate specialized skills, with many advancing through a combination of specialized training, significant on-the-job experience, and ongoing professional development. In this market, the demand for knowledgeable controllers is high, further incentivizing seasoned individuals to seek out advanced certifications and roles that align with the complexities of air traffic management.
About the Rome Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rome
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Rome earn between $229,209 and $262,617 per year (2026 est.). This $155,236 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rome median of $185,139 sits 21.89% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Rome | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $185,139 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $229,209 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $262,617 | $221,151 |
In Rome, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 41.85% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Rome
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $185,139 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rome employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Rome command premium compensation, often reaching the $229,209–$262,617 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rome 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 Rome 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 Rome
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRome ranks #22 of 38 New York cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $262,617).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Rome ($262,617) is 15.84% below the New York average P90 ($312,030).
2019 BLS Actual
$209,380
2025 BLS Actual
$256,037
2026 Current Est.
$262,617
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $209,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $219,426 | Actual |
| 2021 | $220,863 | Actual |
| 2022 | $225,388 | Actual |
| 2023 | $238,676 | Actual |
| 2024 | $265,047 | Actual |
| 2025 | $256,037 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $262,617 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $269,366 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Rome saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $209,380 in 2019 to $256,037 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 $269,366 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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 Rome
Compensation dynamics for senior air traffic controllers in Rome can vary widely based on specialization and employer type. Controllers working in FAA en route centers often command the highest salaries due to their involvement in managing high-altitude air traffic, while those in terminal radar approach controls typically handle traffic within a 50-mile radius of major airports, offering different pay scales. Specialized roles such as traffic management coordinators and ATC instructors at the FAA Academy also come with competitive salaries, reflecting the targeted expertise required. Career advancement opportunities can lead from developmental controller positions to roles such as traffic management coordinator and eventually ATC manager, each stage offering increased compensation alongside responsibility. Advanced credentials, such as passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and completing Initial Qualification Training, are essential for long-term success. Additionally, factors such as locality pay and shift differentials can significantly enhance overall earnings, making it a promising field for dedicated individuals.
More salary data for Rome, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Rome in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Rome?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Rome?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Rome?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Rome?
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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 $256,037 for air traffic controllers in the Rome 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 Rome 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