East Orange vs Paterson: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between East Orange, NJ and Paterson, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Orange, NJ | Paterson, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $178,855▲ | $176,296 |
| Hourly Rate | $85.98▲ | $84.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,736▲ | $102,252 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,776▲ | $126,933 |
| 75th Percentile | $228,261▲ | $225,659 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $255,913 | $262,820▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 31▲ |
Verdict
East Orange and Paterson are closely matched on overall air traffic controller compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between East Orange and Paterson is $2,559 (1.45%). East Orange's median is +17.76% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Orange spans $152,177,Paterson spans $160,568. Paterson 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, East Orange ($155,256 effective) pays 1.45% more than Paterson ($153,035 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Orange if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($178,855/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,256)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Paterson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($262,820)
- ✓Larger job market (31 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in East Orange grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.9% growth in Paterson over the same period.
East Orange, NJ
$172,849 (2024) → $174,374 (2025)
Paterson, NJ
$170,376 (2024) → $171,879 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Orange, NJ
Paterson, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: East Orange or Paterson?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Orange and Paterson?
Should I relocate from East Orange to Paterson as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in East Orange vs Paterson?
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