Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rochester, NY: $123,642 (2026)

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

Rochester offers a median air traffic controller salary of $123,642, which is $43,962 below the New York state average of $167,604. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 90% 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 Rochester spans from $73,800 at the 10th percentile to $178,200 at the 90th percentile — a $104,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,500, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,000. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $76,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$76,500

$-8,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$126,000

$-14,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$171,000

$-19,000 vs national

Percentile	Rochester	NY State	National
10th Percentile	$73,800	$100,040	$82,000
25th Percentile	$97,200	$131,760	$108,000
Median (50th)	$123,642	$167,604	$137,380
75th Percentile	$157,500	$213,500	$175,000
90th Percentile	$178,200	$241,560	$198,000

Percentile

Rochester

10th Percentile

$73,800

25th Percentile

$97,200

Median (50th)

$123,642

75th Percentile

$157,500

90th Percentile

$178,200

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Rochester

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Rochester 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 Rochester may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rochester

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Rochester, NY? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Rochester, New York is $123,642 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $73,800 (10th percentile) to $178,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Rochester? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $123,642, a air traffic controller in Rochester earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Rochester's median air traffic controller salary of $123,642 is 26.2% below the New York state average of $167,604. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Rochester, NY? ▼

Rochester has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $123,642 in Rochester 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 Rochester? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Rochester 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.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rochester, New York