Transportation & Logistics Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median air traffic controller salary in Buffalo, NY is $126,390 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 24.6% below the New York state average.

City Median
$126,390
vs State Avg
$-41,214
vs National
$-10,990
Cost of Living
92%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Buffalo: What to Expect (2026)

Buffalo offers a median air traffic controller salary of $126,390, which is $41,214 below the New York state average of $167,604. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Buffalo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Buffalo's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Buffalo spans from $75,440 at the 10th percentile to $182,160 at the 90th percentile — a $106,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,200, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,800. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $78,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,800
$-15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $75,440
25th Percentile $99,360
Median (50th) $126,390
75th Percentile $161,000
90th Percentile $182,160

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other New York Cities

New York City, NY
$256,901
Pop. 8,336,817
Yonkers, NY
$185,463
Pop. 211,569
Albany, NY
$134,632
Pop. 99,224
Rochester, NY
$123,642
Pop. 211,328

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Buffalo

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Buffalo and the surrounding New York area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Buffalo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Buffalo, NY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Buffalo, New York is $126,390 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $75,440 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,390, a air traffic controller in Buffalo earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Buffalo's median air traffic controller salary of $126,390 is 24.6% below the New York state average of $167,604. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $126,390 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Buffalo? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Buffalo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.