verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Air Traffic Controller Salary in New York

Median Annual in New York
$144,960/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$69.69/hr
▼ 2% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in New York

groups Employed in NY
1,150
public U.S. Median
$148,080
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$134,320 #24 of 43

Air Traffic Controller pay in New York, explained

Air traffic controllers in New York earn a median of $144,960 per year ($69.69 per hour), which is 2% below the national median of $148,080. Entry-level workers earn around $74,320, while the most experienced air traffic controllers reach about $225,680. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within New York.

Is $144,960 good pay in New York?

Adjusted for New York's cost of living (which runs 108% of the U.S. average), that $144,960 is worth about $134,320 in national buying power — ranking New York #24 for real pay (vs #16 on the sticker number).

See the full Air Traffic Controller Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Air Traffic Controller pay by experience in New York

Entry level (10th pct)
$74,320
$35.73/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$144,960
$69.69/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$225,680
$108.50/hr

Air Traffic Controller pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs NY
New York (here) $144,960 $134,320
Connecticut $140,940 $136,029 +$4,020
Pennsylvania $132,350 $135,643 +$12,610
New Jersey $132,230 $121,529 +$12,730
Massachusetts $125,060 $118,252 +$19,900
Vermont $109,140 $111,415 +$35,820

Air Traffic Controller in New York: FAQ

How much do air traffic controllers make in New York?

Air traffic controllers in New York earn a median of $144,960 per year ($69.69 per hour), compared with $148,080 nationally.

Does New York pay air traffic controllers well?

At $144,960, New York pays 2% below the national median for air traffic controllers. An estimated 1,150 work in the state.

Air Traffic Controller salary in other states

All 43 states ranked arrow_forward

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