Auburn vs Buffalo: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Auburn, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $183,268 | $194,731▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $88.11 | $93.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,295 | $112,944▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,953 | $140,206▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $234,583 | $249,256▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $262,324 | $301,834▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 58▲ |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Buffalo is $11,463 (6.25%). Buffalo's median is +28.21% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $156,029,Buffalo spans $188,890. Buffalo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($168,016 effective) pays 6.25% more than Auburn ($158,126 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($194,731/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($301,834)
- ✓Larger job market (58 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $168,016)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Auburn grew -3.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 94.9% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Auburn, NY
$185,055 (2024) → $178,676 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$97,410 (2022) → $189,852 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Auburn or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Buffalo as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Auburn vs Buffalo?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov