Air Traffic Controller Salary in Long Branch, NJ: $172,134 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Long Branch, NJ earns a median $172,134/year (≈ $82.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Long Branch's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $149,422 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Long Branch, NJ, are projected to earn an impressive median annual salary of $172,134. This figure significantly surpasses the national median of $151,886, reflecting a generous compensation environment influenced by the demands of the job. Local salaries range from $99,838 at the lower tenth percentile to $249,539 at the upper ninetieth percentile, demonstrating a lucrative field for experienced individuals. The estimates provided are grounded in BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price disparities. With the capacity for substantial overtime, many in the profession are likely working 50-60 hours each week, often in understaffed facilities, which effectively drives their compensation higher. The strong demand for skilled controllers contributes to a competitive job market in Long Branch, making it a viable location for those in air traffic control.
About the Long Branch Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,838 | $48.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $123,936 | $59.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $172,134 | $82.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $220,332 | $105.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $249,539 | $119.97 |
Median Salary Position
13.33% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Branch
In Long Branch, NJ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $149,701 (2026 est.). At $172,134, the local median is 13.33% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Long Branch: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Long Branch Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Long Branch median: $172,134/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Long Branch Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $176,367 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +13.33% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Long Branch, NJ earn a median of $172,134 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.33% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $176,367.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Long Branch has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Long Branch, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $172,134 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,422 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$139,386
2025 BLS Actual
$167,821
2026 Current Est.
$172,134
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Long Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $139,386 | Actual |
| 2020 | $147,807 | Actual |
| 2021 | $147,047 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,881 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,695 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,354 | Actual |
| 2025 | $167,821 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,134 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $176,558 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Long Branch metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $139,386 (2019) to $167,821 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $176,558 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,172 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Branch 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) | $99,838 – $123,936 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $123,936 – $172,134 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $172,134 – $220,332 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $220,332 – $249,539 |
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 Long Branch
In Long Branch, the employment landscape for air traffic controllers is notable, with eight professionals currently stationed in the area. The cost of living index of 115.2 signifies that expenses are 15.2% higher than the national average, which can impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Local employers include FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities, where pay is typically highest for those managing extensive and complex airspace. The variance in salaries stems from factors such as facility level, with en route centers generally offering superior compensation, and various shift differentials, which can enhance earnings significantly. Controllers seeking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Long Branch, NJ, should consider pursuing CPC certification, embracing overtime opportunities, and remaining attentive to the staffing challenges that often lead to increased hours.
More salary data for Long Branch, 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 $167,821 for air traffic controllersin the Long Branch 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 Long Branch 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