Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Rome, NY: $89.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Rome, NY runs $89.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $185,139 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Rome's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $111,085 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rome, NY, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at an impressive $89.01, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $73.02. This higher rate reflects the demand for qualified professionals in a market where air traffic controllers can work in various settings, including en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this wage translates into a solid income, offering substantial earnings even when taking lesser hours. Entry-level individuals can expect to earn approximately $51.62 an hour, while those at the top of their field can pull in as much as $126.25. Estimates on this hourly rate derive from annual salary data, indicating robust financial prospects for controllers in this location.
About the Rome 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) | $51.62 | $412.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.97 | $519.74 |
| Median (P50) | $89.01 | $712.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110.20 | $881.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126.25 | $1010.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rome
Based on $89.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $89.01/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rome, NY can expect to earn approximately $185,141 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $106,812. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rome.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rome
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,560.41 | $15,428 | $185,141 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,136.25 | $9,257 | $111,085 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,424.16 | $6,171 | $74,057 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Rome) | $89.01 |
| 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 Rome, NY earn a median of $185,139 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.89% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.00% below the New York state average of $192,853.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $89.01/hr = $111,085/year (purchasing power: $95,845).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $185,141/year (purchasing power: $159,742).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$72.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$86.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$89.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $76.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $76.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $77.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $80.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $89.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $86.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Rome grew 20.4% from $72.08/hr (2019) to $86.78/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $91.30/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Rome
To better understand the earning potential within air traffic control roles, consider the financial implications for part-time employees compared to their full-time counterparts. A part-time controller working a 24-hour week could realistically bring home around $46,592 annually, which can make a supportive contribution when juxtaposed with a full-time salary. The per diem air traffic controller pay in Rome allows for competitive compensation, particularly as many in this field can clock in substantial overtime, often leading to effective hourly earnings well beyond the base rate. Controllers at FAA en route centers and TRACONs typically enjoy slightly higher hourly rates, while military and contract facilities might present different remuneration approaches. Additionally, some might opt for roles that provide stable health insurance benefits, albeit at a lower hourly rate, versus higher-paid positions lacking such perks. As controllers navigate their career options, practical negotiation tactics can also play a considerable role in maximizing their effective income.
More salary data for Rome, 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 Rome. 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 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