Atlantic City vs Elizabeth: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Elizabeth, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $170,327 | $178,035▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $81.89 | $85.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,161 | $103,260▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,495 | $128,698▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $212,111 | $227,885▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $232,513 | $268,957▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 25▲ |
Verdict
Elizabeth, NJ offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Elizabeth is $7,708 (4.53%). Elizabeth's median is +17.22% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $133,352,Elizabeth spans $165,697. Elizabeth 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, Elizabeth ($154,544 effective) pays 4.53% more than Atlantic City ($147,853 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Elizabeth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($178,035/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($268,957)
- ✓Larger job market (25 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,544)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Atlantic City grew 70.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.9% growth in Elizabeth over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$97,630 (2019) → $166,059 (2025)
Elizabeth, NJ
$172,056 (2024) → $173,574 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Elizabeth, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Atlantic City or Elizabeth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Elizabeth?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Elizabeth as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Atlantic City vs Elizabeth?
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