Air Traffic Controller Salary in Union, NJ: $178,100 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Union, NJ earns a median $178,100/year (≈ $85.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Union's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $154,601 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in Union, NJ, the 2026 median annual salary is projected at $178,100. This figure reflects a competitive advantage when compared to the national median of $151,886, illustrating a local market that offers higher compensation. The overall salary range for this role spans from $103,298 for the lower 10th percentile to $253,294 for the top 90th percentile, showcasing the substantial potential for earnings based on experience, facility type, and shift differentials. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, emphasizing that Union's economic landscape supports robust compensation for air traffic controllers. Those entering this field can expect significant growth as they navigate the typical 1-3 year timeline to full CPC certification, shaping their pay trajectory in this growing sector.
About the Union Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,298 | $49.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $128,232 | $61.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $178,100 | $85.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $226,375 | $108.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $253,294 | $121.77 |
Median Salary Position
17.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Union
In Union, NJ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $149,996 (2026 est.). At $178,100, the local median is 17.26% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Union: You'd be above the median
How Union Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Union median: $178,100/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Union Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $176,337 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +17.26% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Union, NJ earn a median of $178,100 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.26% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% above the New Jersey state average of $176,337.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Union has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Union, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $178,100 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $154,601 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$144,218
2025 BLS Actual
$173,638
2026 Current Est.
$178,100
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Union (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $144,218 | Actual |
| 2020 | $152,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $152,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $155,076 | Actual |
| 2023 | $161,091 | Actual |
| 2024 | $172,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $173,638 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $178,100 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $182,678 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Union metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $144,218 (2019) to $173,638 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $182,678 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,460 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Union 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) | $103,298 – $128,232 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $128,232 – $178,100 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $178,100 – $226,375 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $226,375 – $253,294 |
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 Union
Analyzing the local job market reveals that Union employs around 15 air traffic controllers, which presents a concentrated employment setting. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, professionals must consider how much take-home pay translates into purchasing power in the area. Agencies that typically offer the most competitive air traffic controller pay in Union include FAA en route centers, which manage high-altitude traffic, as well as terminal radar approach control facilities. Several factors contribute to the salary variations within this marketplace, such as facility level—where en route positions generally yield higher pay than tower roles—as well as whether controllers have attained CPC certification. Additional dynamics like shift differentials for night or holiday shifts and mandatory overtime further impact earnings potential. Those looking to maximize earnings in Union should focus on obtaining CPC status quickly, strategically seeking facilities that offer the best financial incentives and actively taking advantage of overtime opportunities.
More salary data for Union, 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 $173,638 for air traffic controllersin the Union 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 Union 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