Air Traffic Controller Salary

South Brunswick vs Vineland: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between South Brunswick, NJ and Vineland, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

South Brunswick, NJ
$172,846
$83.10/hr
Vineland, NJ
$176,801
$85.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSouth Brunswick, NJVineland, NJ
Median Salary$172,846$176,801
Hourly Rate$83.10$85.00
Entry Level (P10)$100,251$102,544
25th Percentile$124,449$127,297
75th Percentile$214,398$223,144
Top Earner (P90)$251,966$248,815
Total Employed711
Side-by-side bar chart comparing South Brunswick ($172,846) and Vineland ($176,801) air traffic controller salaries.South BrunswickVinelandMedian Salary$172,846$176,801Entry Level (P10)$100,251$102,544Top Earner (P90)$251,966$248,815US Median $151,886

Verdict

Vineland, NJ offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Brunswick.

The salary gap between South Brunswick and Vineland is $3,955 (2.29%). Vineland's median is +16.40% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in South Brunswick spans $151,715,Vineland spans $146,271. South Brunswick has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

South Brunswick
P10 (Entry)$100,251
P25$124,449
Median$172,846
P75$214,398
P90 (Top)$251,966
Vineland
P10 (Entry)$102,544
P25$127,297
Median$176,801
P75$223,144
P90 (Top)$248,815

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Vineland ($153,473 effective) pays 2.29% more than South Brunswick ($150,040 effective).

South Brunswick
Nominal: $172,846
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $150,040
Vineland
Nominal: $176,801
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $153,473

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose South Brunswick if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($251,966)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Vineland if…

  • Higher median salary ($176,801/year)
  • Larger job market (11 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,473)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in South Brunswick grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.9% growth in Vineland over the same period.

South Brunswick, NJ

+0.9%

$167,042 (2024) → $168,515 (2025)

Vineland, NJ

+0.9%

$170,864 (2024) → $172,371 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: South Brunswick or Vineland?

Vineland has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $176,801/year, compared to South Brunswick at $172,846/year — a difference of $3,955 (2.29%).

What is the hourly rate difference between South Brunswick and Vineland?

South Brunswick air traffic controllers earn $83.10/hr while Vineland hygienists earn $85.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from South Brunswick to Vineland as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing South Brunswick and Vineland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: South Brunswick = $150,040, Vineland = $153,473), job availability (7 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in South Brunswick vs Vineland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $100,251 in South Brunswick and $102,544 in Vineland. The Vineland area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov