Air Traffic Controller Salary in New York
Based on 2K+ workers in New York
Median Annual Salary (NY)
$42,000
$20.19/hr
vs National Average
$56,947
-26.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$32K – $68K
2K employed in New York
Understanding the **Air Traffic Controller salary in New York** reveals a median annual earning of $42,000. This figure falls within a typical range of $32,410 to $67,710 for the profession in the state. Notably, this median is 26% lower than the national average, reflecting specific market conditions for these essential aviation professionals.
Several factors influence the **Air Traffic Controller salary in New York**, including experience level and the specific air traffic control facility or airport where one is employed. The high cost of living in New York might also indirectly impact salary expectations, even though the stated median is below the national benchmark. The current employment for this role in New York stands at 2,190 workers.
Salary Distribution — Air Traffic Controller in New York
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32,410 |
| 25th percentile | $37,760 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $42,000 |
| 75th percentile | $47,930 |
| 90th percentile | $67,710 |
Top-Paying Industries for Air Traffic Controller (U.S.)
Which industries pay Air Traffic Controllers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Air Traffic Controllers in New York tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $103,820 | — |
| Manufacturing | $88,420 | 150 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $70,590 | 160 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,850 | 4K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $49,820 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Air Traffic Controller in New York vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New York) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $67,230 |
| 2023 | $39,290 |
| 2024 | $40,980 |
| 2025 | $42,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $43,045 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New York Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $67,230 | $53,742 |
| 2023 | $39,290 | $55,720 |
| 2024 | $40,980 | $55,556 |
| 2025 | $42,000 | $56,947 |
| 2026 (projected) | $43,045 | $58,364 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience Level in New York
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,760 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $42,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $47,930 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $67,710 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other States
Related Air Traffic Controller Salaries in New York
How other high-demand occupations in New York compare to Air Traffic Controller ($42,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Air Traffic Controller | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in NY | $255,240 | +507.7% | $122.71/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in NY | $95,700 | +127.9% | $46.01/hr |
| Electrician in NY | $78,750 | +87.5% | $37.86/hr |
| Plumber in NY | $77,490 | +84.5% | $37.25/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in NY | $57,790 | +37.6% | $27.78/hr |
| Construction Laborer in NY | $55,930 | +33.2% | $26.89/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in NY | $54,120 | +28.9% | $26.02/hr |
| Receptionist in NY | $43,080 | +2.6% | $20.71/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in NY | $43,680 | +4.0% | $21.00/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in NY | $43,930 | +4.6% | $21.12/hr |
| Security Guard in NY | $44,240 | +5.3% | $21.27/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in NY | $39,620 | -5.7% | $19.05/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Air Traffic Controller make in New York?
- The median salary for an Air Traffic Controller in New York is $42,000 per year, which averages out to approximately $20 per hour. Most Air Traffic Controllers in New York earn between $32,410 and $67,710 annually.
What is the salary range for an Air Traffic Controller in New York?
- In New York, Air Traffic Controllers can expect to earn a salary ranging from $32,410 on the lower end to $67,710 at the higher end. This means the majority of professionals in this role fall within this significant salary bracket.
How does the salary for Air Traffic Controllers in New York compare to the national average?
- Air Traffic Controllers in New York earn significantly less than the national average, with salaries being 26.2% lower. The median salary in New York is $42,000 annually, compared to the national median.
How many Air Traffic Controllers are employed in New York?
- There are approximately 2,190 Air Traffic Controllers employed in New York. This makes it a notable area for employment within this specialized aviation field.