Air Traffic Controller Salary

Jersey City vs Moorestown: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

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

Jersey City, NJ
$184,831
$88.86/hr
Moorestown, NJ
$169,291
$81.39/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJersey City, NJMoorestown, NJ
Median Salary$184,831$169,291
Hourly Rate$88.86$81.39
Entry Level (P10)$107,202$98,188
25th Percentile$133,078$121,889
75th Percentile$236,584$212,561
Top Earner (P90)$275,016$226,268
Total Employed424
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jersey City ($184,831) and Moorestown ($169,291) air traffic controller salaries.Jersey CityMoorestownMedian Salary$184,831$169,291Entry Level (P10)$107,202$98,188Top Earner (P90)$275,016$226,268US Median $151,886

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Jersey City and Moorestown is $15,540 (9.18%). 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 Jersey City spans $167,814,Moorestown spans $128,080. Jersey City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Jersey City
P10 (Entry)$107,202
P25$133,078
Median$184,831
P75$236,584
P90 (Top)$275,016
Moorestown
P10 (Entry)$98,188
P25$121,889
Median$169,291
P75$212,561
P90 (Top)$226,268

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jersey City ($160,444 effective) pays 9.18% more than Moorestown ($146,954 effective).

Jersey City
Nominal: $184,831
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $160,444
Moorestown
Nominal: $169,291
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $146,954

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Moorestown if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

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

Jersey City, NJ

+0.9%

$178,624 (2024) → $180,200 (2025)

Moorestown, NJ

+0.9%

$163,606 (2024) → $165,049 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Jersey City has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $184,831/year, compared to Moorestown at $169,291/year — a difference of $15,540 (9.18%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jersey City and Moorestown?

Jersey City air traffic controllers earn $88.86/hr while Moorestown hygienists earn $81.39/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jersey City and Moorestown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jersey City = $160,444, Moorestown = $146,954), job availability (42 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $107,202 in Jersey City and $98,188 in Moorestown. 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