Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cherry Hill, NJ: $247,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Cherry Hill, NJ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $247,731/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Cherry Hill's price premium (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $215,044 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cherry Hill, New Jersey, senior air traffic controllers can expect significant earning potential, with projections indicating that top performers could see annual salaries reaching as high as $247,731 by 2026. This figure not only highlights the lucrative nature of the profession within the city but also underscores the experience premium, which can result in salaries significantly above the median of $171,393. For those aiming for the top tier of pay, attaining such levels generally requires extensive experience—usually over seven years—alongside specialized training and certifications. Given that Cherry Hill's highest earners outpace the national top earner average, it illustrates the impact of both location and expertise in shaping compensation in this field.
About the Cherry Hill Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cherry Hill
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Cherry Hill earn between $219,384 and $247,731 per year (2026 est.). This $148,323 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cherry Hill median of $171,393 sits 12.84% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Cherry Hill | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $171,393 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $219,384 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $247,731 | $221,151 |
In Cherry Hill, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 44.54% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Cherry Hill
Advanced Certifications in New Jersey
NJ air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $171,393 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cherry Hill employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Cherry Hill command premium compensation, often reaching the $219,384–$247,731 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cherry Hill metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Cherry Hill with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in New Jersey who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Cherry Hill
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCherry Hill ranks #38 of 61 New Jersey cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $247,731).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Cherry Hill ($247,731) is 3.61% below the New Jersey average P90 ($257,020).
2019 BLS Actual
$197,512
2025 BLS Actual
$241,524
2026 Current Est.
$247,731
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cherry Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $197,512 | Actual |
| 2020 | $206,989 | Actual |
| 2021 | $208,344 | Actual |
| 2022 | $212,612 | Actual |
| 2023 | $225,147 | Actual |
| 2024 | $239,294 | Actual |
| 2025 | $241,524 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $247,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $254,098 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Cherry Hill saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $197,512 in 2019 to $241,524 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $254,098 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cherry Hill 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Cherry Hill
Various factors contribute to the attractive compensation landscape for experienced air traffic controllers in NJ, particularly in Cherry Hill. Areas of specialization like en route and terminal radar control typically command the highest pay grades, with roles in organizations such as FAA en route centers and military ATC being particularly lucrative. The differences in compensation can also be attributed to the type of employers, with FAA facilities generally offering more robust salary packages compared to contract towers. Additionally, advancement through the ranks—from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC) and beyond—provides pathways to both leadership positions and higher pay. For those pursuing advancement, accruing relevant credentials and clearances such as the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and facility-specific qualifications becomes essential. Moreover, non-salary compensation elements like shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and locality pay add further appeal, positioning Cherry Hill as an attractive area for senior-level air traffic controllers seeking to maximize their income.
More salary data for Cherry Hill, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Cherry Hill in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Cherry Hill?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Cherry Hill?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Cherry Hill?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Cherry Hill?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $241,524 for air traffic controllers in the Cherry Hill metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cherry Hill 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