Air Traffic Controller Salary in Ithaca, NY: $190,002 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Ithaca, NY earns a median $190,002/year (≈ $91.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Ithaca's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $163,936 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Ithaca, NY, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $190,002, considerably higher than the national median of $151,886. The salary range for this role in the area spans from $110,201 at the 10th percentile to $260,668 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living and market factors. Given that Ithaca is home to a relatively small number of air traffic controllers, the compensation structure reflects the tier distinctions within the FAA, given that en route Level 12 facilities typically offer higher pay compared to terminal and tower positions.
About the Ithaca Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($168,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,201 | $52.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $136,802 | $65.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $190,002 | $91.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $236,972 | $113.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $260,668 | $125.32 |
Median Salary Position
25.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ithaca
In Ithaca, NY, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $150,467 (2026 est.). At $190,002, the local median is 25.1% above the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Ithaca: You'd be above the median
How Ithaca Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Ithaca median: $190,002/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ithaca Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $192,895 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +25.10% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Ithaca, NY earn a median of $190,002 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.10% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the New York state average of $192,895.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ithaca has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ithaca, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $190,002 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $163,936 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$153,855
2025 BLS Actual
$185,241
2026 Current Est.
$190,002
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $153,855 | Actual |
| 2020 | $163,149 | Actual |
| 2021 | $162,311 | Actual |
| 2022 | $165,438 | Actual |
| 2023 | $171,856 | Actual |
| 2024 | $191,855 | Actual |
| 2025 | $185,241 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $190,002 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $194,885 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ithaca metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $153,855 (2019) to $185,241 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $194,885 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,030 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ithaca 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $110,201 – $136,802 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $136,802 – $190,002 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $190,002 – $236,972 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $236,972 – $260,668 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Ithaca
With only six air traffic controllers employed in Ithaca, the local job market is quite niche. The cost of living index for the area is 115.9, suggesting that while salaries are substantial, the higher living expenses may impact the take-home purchasing power. Among employers, FAA en route facilities tend to offer the most competitive pay structures, primarily due to the complexity and volume of traffic they manage. Factors such as being stationed at a Level 12 en route facility, achieving CPC certification, and working shifts that warrant additional pay can markedly influence overall earnings. Controllers can also benefit from overtime opportunities in light of recurrent staffing shortages. For those in this market, excelling in certifications and considering shift work may provide pathways to maximize compensation substantially.
More salary data for Ithaca, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $185,241 for air traffic controllersin the Ithaca metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ithaca 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