Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Binghamton, NY: $91.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Binghamton, NY runs $91.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $190,780 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Binghamton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $79.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $114,464 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Binghamton, New York, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $91.72, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This attractive rate allows for potentially lucrative part-time and per-diem work arrangements, which are not uncommon in this field. For example, a controller working three days a week in a typical control setting—such as an en route center or TRACON—can capitalize on this hourly pay structure while also enjoying a flexible schedule. The hourly earnings range from $53.20 for entry-level positions to as much as $126.57 for the top earners in the area, reflecting the diverse skill and experience levels among air traffic controllers. These estimates derive from annual salary data and illustrate a robust earning potential in the local job market.
About the Binghamton Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53.20 | $425.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68.28 | $546.25 |
| Median (P50) | $91.72 | $733.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114.85 | $918.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126.57 | $1012.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Binghamton
Based on $91.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $91.72/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Binghamton, NY can expect to earn approximately $190,774 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $110,062. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Binghamton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Binghamton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,668.72 | $15,898 | $190,774 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,201.23 | $9,539 | $114,464 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,467.49 | $6,359 | $76,309 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Binghamton) | $91.72 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Binghamton, NY earn a median of $190,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.61% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.10% below the New York state average of $192,902.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $91.72/hr = $114,464/year (purchasing power: $98,761).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $190,774/year (purchasing power: $164,602).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$74.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$89.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$91.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Binghamton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $78.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $78.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $79.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $82.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $92.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $89.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Binghamton grew 20.4% from $74.27/hr (2019) to $89.42/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $94.08/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Binghamton 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Binghamton
Part-time air traffic controllers in Binghamton have the opportunity to earn a competitive income, even while working fewer hours. For those working a 24-hour week across three days, which translates to around $113,000 annually, this pay structure can be particularly appealing for balancing other commitments. In addition to base hourly rates, the nature of air traffic work often involves substantial overtime; controllers frequently work 50-60 hours a week. This overtime can significantly boost annual earnings, with many controllers seeing their total compensation rise by $50,000 to $100,000 or more through these hours. The types of facilities offering employment also influence pay, with FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities typically offering higher wages compared to smaller contract towers. Some controllers may accept lower hourly pay for benefits like health insurance, leading to strategic decisions about where to work based on individual financial needs. Negotiating hourly rates can be advantageous, especially in light of the chronic understaffing that many facilities face.
More salary data for Binghamton, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Binghamton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Binghamton 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