Air Traffic Controller Salary in Irvington, NJ: $175,822 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Irvington, NJ earns a median $175,822/year (≈ $84.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Irvington's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $152,623 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Earning $175,822 annually in Irvington, New Jersey, air traffic controllers benefit from a compensation structure that's notably influenced by overtime economics. The salary range for this occupation stretches from $101,977 at the 10th percentile to a high of $262,488 at the 90th percentile, showcasing significant potential for earnings, especially in understaffed facilities where controllers frequently work 50-60 hour weeks. These figures are based on projections derived from 2025 BLS data, incorporating regional cost adjustments that reflect local economic conditions. The advantageous pay structure in Irvington is a testament to the demand for skilled controllers amidst a competitive job market.
About the Irvington Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,977 | $49.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $126,592 | $60.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $175,822 | $84.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $225,053 | $108.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $262,488 | $126.19 |
Median Salary Position
15.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Irvington
In Irvington, NJ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $160,511 (2026 est.). At $175,822, the local median is 15.76% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Irvington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Irvington Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Irvington median: $175,822/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Irvington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $176,351 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +15.76% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Irvington, NJ earn a median of $175,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.76% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.30% below the New Jersey state average of $176,351.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Irvington has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Irvington, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $175,822 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,623 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$142,373
2025 BLS Actual
$171,417
2026 Current Est.
$175,822
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Irvington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,373 | Actual |
| 2020 | $150,974 | Actual |
| 2021 | $150,198 | Actual |
| 2022 | $153,092 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,031 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,919 | Actual |
| 2025 | $171,417 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $175,822 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,341 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Irvington metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $142,373 (2019) to $171,417 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $180,341 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,968 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Irvington 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) | $101,977 – $126,592 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $126,592 – $175,822 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $175,822 – $225,053 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $225,053 – $262,488 |
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 Irvington
With 10 air traffic controllers currently employed in Irvington, the local job market remains relatively tight. The cost of living index at 115.2 indicates a higher-than-average living expense, which impacts take-home purchasing power and necessitates strategic financial planning for controllers. Top-paying opportunities often arise within FAA en route centers, military facilities, and FAA terminal radar approach control, which can significantly enhance salary through various pay structures like shift differentials and overtime. To maximize earnings in Irvington, aspiring air traffic controllers should focus on obtaining CPC certification for developmental career progression, strategically seek high-volume TRACON jobs to exploit overtime, and be prepared for mandatory shifts that could increase monthly pay. Understanding local pay scales and pursuing certifications can help navigate the nuances of air traffic controller pay in Irvington, NJ.
More salary data for Irvington, NJ:
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 $171,417 for air traffic controllersin the Irvington 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 Irvington 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