Jersey City vs Union: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Jersey City, NJ and Union, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jersey City, NJ | Union, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $184,831▲ | $178,100 |
| Hourly Rate | $88.86▲ | $85.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,202▲ | $103,298 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,078▲ | $128,232 |
| 75th Percentile | $236,584▲ | $226,375 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $275,016▲ | $253,294 |
| Total Employed | 42▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Jersey City, NJ offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Union.
The salary gap between Jersey City and Union is $6,731 (3.78%). 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,Union spans $149,996. Jersey City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jersey City ($160,444 effective) pays 3.78% more than Union ($154,601 effective).
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 Union 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 Union over the same period.
Jersey City, NJ
$178,624 (2024) → $180,200 (2025)
Union, NJ
$172,120 (2024) → $173,638 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jersey City, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Jersey City or Union?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jersey City and Union?
Should I relocate from Jersey City to Union as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Jersey City vs Union?
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