Buffalo vs Watertown: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Buffalo, NY and Watertown, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Watertown, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $194,731▲ | $191,229 |
| Hourly Rate | $93.63▲ | $91.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,944▲ | $110,913 |
| 25th Percentile | $140,206▲ | $137,685 |
| 75th Percentile | $249,256▲ | $239,985 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $301,834▲ | $264,787 |
| Total Employed | 58▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Watertown is $3,502 (1.83%). 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 Buffalo spans $188,890,Watertown spans $153,874. Buffalo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($168,016 effective) pays 1.83% more than Watertown ($164,995 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Buffalo grew 94.9% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -3.4% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$97,410 (2022) → $189,852 (2025)
Watertown, NY
$193,094 (2024) → $186,438 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Watertown, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Buffalo or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Watertown as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Buffalo vs Watertown?
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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