Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rome, NY: $107,381 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Rome, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $107,381 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rome's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $92,650 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($185,139) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Aspiring air traffic controllers entering the workforce in Rome, NY, can expect starting salaries around $107,381 in 2026. This initial income is a solid foundation compared to the overall median annual salary of $185,139 for the city, which reflects the potential for growth as controllers gain experience. Over the first three to five years, new graduates typically see salary increases, pushing towards the $135,128 mark at the 25th percentile and then reaching the median as they establish their careers. For those considering a career in Rome's air traffic control sector, this environment appears favorable, especially given the competitive entry-level pay.
About the Rome Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rome
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rome
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Rome, NY typically start between $107,381 and $135,128 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $155,236 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $185,139 — 21.89% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in New York of $65,000 represents just 60.53% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($107,381/year) in Rome. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Rome
- 1Research the Rome market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $107,381 to $135,128, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rome, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Rome for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Rome's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Rome is $155,236 ( 144.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $107,381, experienced hygienists can earn up to $262,617.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$91,220
2025 BLS Actual
$104,690
2026 Current Est.
$107,381
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
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 | $91,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,134 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,959 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,242 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,713 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,428 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,381 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,140 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Rome, NY grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $91,220 in 2019 to $104,690 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $110,140. New graduates entering the Rome job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Rome
Employers in Rome primarily include the FAA, which recruits new controllers both through public announcements for general applicants and partnerships with collegiate training programs. New graduates can enhance their employability by pursuing relevant credentials, including U.S. citizenship, a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Once hired, they undergo training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City and must complete several months of facility-specific training. For new controllers, understanding the distinction of the FG pay scale is essential, as it differs from the GS scale and offers opportunities for substantial earnings growth. Furthermore, the field values experience due to chronic understaffing issues, leading to increased overtime, particularly at high-demand facilities. Consequently, realistic expectations for salary advancement during the first few years could see new graduates progressing towards significantly higher compensation as they complete their training and gain certification.
More salary data for Rome, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Rome in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Rome?
Is aviation school worth it in Rome?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Rome?
How do I become a air traffic controller in New York?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Rome. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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