Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Oneonta, NY: $86.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Oneonta, NY runs $86.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $179,950 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Oneonta's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $107,974 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oneonta, New York, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $86.52, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02 per hour. This favorable wage reflects the rigorous training and skills required for the job, often performed in high-pressure environments such as en route center radar consoles and airport control towers. For those considering part-time opportunities or per-diem roles, working three days a week can still provide a substantial income due to the attractive hourly pay model. Controllers in Oneonta fall within a range where entry-level positions start at roughly $51.32, while top earners can reach up to $119.40 per hour, with compensation estimates based on projected annual salary data for 2026.
About the Oneonta 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) | $51.32 | $410.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.47 | $515.72 |
| Median (P50) | $86.52 | $692.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108.93 | $871.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119.40 | $955.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oneonta
Based on $86.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $86.52/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oneonta, NY can expect to earn approximately $179,957 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $103,821. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oneonta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oneonta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,460.71 | $14,996 | $179,957 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,076.43 | $8,998 | $107,974 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,384.28 | $5,999 | $71,983 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Oneonta) | $86.52 |
| 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 Oneonta, NY earn a median of $179,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.48% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 6.70% below the New York state average of $192,872.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $86.52/hr = $107,974/year (purchasing power: $93,162).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $179,957/year (purchasing power: $155,269).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$70.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$84.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$86.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Oneonta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $74.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $73.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $75.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $78.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $84.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Oneonta grew 20.4% from $70.06/hr (2019) to $84.35/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $88.74/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 Oneonta 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 Oneonta
Exploring the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Oneonta, working a 24-hour week could yield considerable annual earnings, albeit less than full-time counterparts. Many controllers in this location often work beyond standard shifts, with overtime pay reaching 1.5 times the base rate, allowing dedicated professionals to exceed their primary hourly earnings substantially. This reality becomes especially pertinent in settings with chronic staffing needs, where controllers may work 50-60 hours a week, translating to a striking annual compensation with the inclusion of overtime. Employment across various types of facilities impacts wages, with FAA en route centers and terminal approach controls typically providing more competitive pay compared to smaller, contracted towers. Controllers weighing the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly rates free of benefits often must navigate these trade-offs. For those accepting per diem roles, clever negotiation could enhance earnings while transitioning between facilities, making it imperative to efficiently assess each opportunity in the Oneonta job market.
More salary data for Oneonta, 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 Oneonta. 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 Oneonta 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