Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Oswego, NY: $86.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Oswego, NY runs $86.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $180,848 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Oswego's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $108,512 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Oswego, New York, earn a median hourly pay of $86.95, significantly exceeding the national median of $73.02. This competitive hourly rate translates well for part-time workers, suggesting that those who operate on a three-day, 24-hour work schedule can still secure a solid income while enjoying a better work-life balance. Air traffic controllers typically work in various environments such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers, adapting to the demands of each setting. The hourly wages range from $52.30 for entry-level positions to $120.82 for the top earners, reflecting a broad spectrum of experience and responsibility. These figures are derived from annual salary data, and provide a practical insight into what workers can expect when entering this specialized field in Oswego.
About the Oswego 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) | $52.30 | $418.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63.36 | $506.86 |
| Median (P50) | $86.95 | $695.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109.98 | $879.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120.82 | $966.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oswego
Based on $86.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $86.95/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oswego, NY can expect to earn approximately $180,853 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $104,338. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oswego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oswego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,477.94 | $15,071 | $180,853 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,086.77 | $9,043 | $108,512 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,391.18 | $6,028 | $72,341 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Oswego) | $86.95 |
| 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 Oswego, NY earn a median of $180,848 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.07% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 6.20% below the New York state average of $192,802.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $86.95/hr = $108,512/year (purchasing power: $93,625).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $180,853/year (purchasing power: $156,042).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$70.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$84.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$86.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Oswego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $74.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $74.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $75.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $78.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $84.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Oswego grew 20.4% from $70.41/hr (2019) to $84.77/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $89.18/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 Oswego 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 Oswego
Understanding the financial realities of air traffic controllers uncovers the potential for part-time earning versus full-time income. A controller working just three days a week could take home a substantial portion of the yearly earnings, especially when considering factors like overtime pay. Many in this sector, particularly at FAA facilities, take on additional hours, often reaching 50-60 hours a week, which can inflat effective hourly compensation significantly beyond the base rate. Locations such as en route centers and airport control towers offer different pay rates, with FAA contract towers sometimes attracting individuals seeking higher hourly compensation without benefits. While opting for a position with lower hourly rates might seem less appealing, the stability of benefits can be advantageous for those looking for long-term security. Effective negotiation strategies include utilizing local market insights and understanding the hourly pay dynamics specific to the Oswego region, ultimately paving the way for better compensation in this critical industry.
More salary data for Oswego, 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 Oswego. 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 Oswego 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