Vineland vs West Orange: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Vineland, NJ and West Orange, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Vineland, NJ | West Orange, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $176,801▲ | $174,940 |
| Hourly Rate | $85.00▲ | $84.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,544▲ | $101,465 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,297▲ | $125,957 |
| 75th Percentile | $223,144 | $223,563▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $248,815▲ | $247,961 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 11 |
Verdict
Vineland, NJ offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Orange.
The salary gap between Vineland and West Orange is $1,861 (1.06%). 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 Vineland spans $146,271,West Orange spans $146,496. West Orange has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Vineland ($153,473 effective) pays 1.06% more than West Orange ($151,858 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Vineland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($176,801/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($248,815)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,473)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose West Orange if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Vineland grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.9% growth in West Orange over the same period.
Vineland, NJ
$170,864 (2024) → $172,371 (2025)
West Orange, NJ
$169,066 (2024) → $170,557 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Vineland, NJ
West Orange, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Vineland or West Orange?
What is the hourly rate difference between Vineland and West Orange?
Should I relocate from Vineland to West Orange as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Vineland vs West Orange?
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
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