Air Traffic Controller Salary

Egg Harbor vs Jersey City: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between Egg Harbor, NJ and Jersey City, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Egg Harbor, NJ
$167,876
$80.71/hr
Jersey City, NJ
$184,831
$88.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEgg Harbor, NJJersey City, NJ
Median Salary$167,876$184,831
Hourly Rate$80.71$88.86
Entry Level (P10)$97,369$107,202
25th Percentile$120,871$133,078
75th Percentile$212,393$236,584
Top Earner (P90)$235,265$275,016
Total Employed842
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Egg Harbor ($167,876) and Jersey City ($184,831) air traffic controller salaries.Egg HarborJersey CityMedian Salary$167,876$184,831Entry Level (P10)$97,369$107,202Top Earner (P90)$235,265$275,016US Median $151,886

Verdict

Jersey City, NJ offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Egg Harbor.

The salary gap between Egg Harbor and Jersey City is $16,955 (10.10%). Jersey City's median is +21.69% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Egg Harbor spans $137,896,Jersey City spans $167,814. Jersey City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.

Egg Harbor
P10 (Entry)$97,369
P25$120,871
Median$167,876
P75$212,393
P90 (Top)$235,265
Jersey City
P10 (Entry)$107,202
P25$133,078
Median$184,831
P75$236,584
P90 (Top)$275,016

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jersey City ($160,444 effective) pays 10.10% more than Egg Harbor ($145,726 effective).

Egg Harbor
Nominal: $167,876
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $145,726
Jersey City
Nominal: $184,831
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $160,444

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Egg Harbor if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Jersey City if…

  • Higher median salary ($184,831/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($275,016)
  • Larger job market (42 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,444)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Egg Harbor grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.9% growth in Jersey City over the same period.

Egg Harbor, NJ

+0.9%

$162,239 (2024) → $163,670 (2025)

Jersey City, NJ

+0.9%

$178,624 (2024) → $180,200 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Egg Harbor or Jersey City?

Jersey City has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $184,831/year, compared to Egg Harbor at $167,876/year — a difference of $16,955 (10.10%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Egg Harbor and Jersey City?

Egg Harbor air traffic controllers earn $80.71/hr while Jersey City hygienists earn $88.86/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Egg Harbor to Jersey City as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Egg Harbor and Jersey City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Egg Harbor = $145,726, Jersey City = $160,444), job availability (8 vs 42 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Egg Harbor vs Jersey City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $97,369 in Egg Harbor and $107,202 in Jersey City. The Jersey City area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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