Newark vs Parsippany-Troy Hills: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Newark, NJ and Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newark, NJ | Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $185,515▲ | $178,548 |
| Hourly Rate | $89.19▲ | $85.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,599▲ | $103,558 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,571▲ | $128,554 |
| 75th Percentile | $237,460▲ | $227,492 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $287,549▲ | $254,844 |
| Total Employed | 61▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Parsippany-Troy Hills.
The salary gap between Newark and Parsippany-Troy Hills is $6,967 (3.90%). Newark's median is +22.14% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $179,950,Parsippany-Troy Hills spans $151,286. Newark 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, Newark ($161,037 effective) pays 3.90% more than Parsippany-Troy Hills ($154,990 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($185,515/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($287,549)
- ✓Larger job market (61 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,037)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Parsippany-Troy Hills 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 Newark grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.9% growth in Parsippany-Troy Hills over the same period.
Newark, NJ
$179,286 (2024) → $180,867 (2025)
Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ
$172,552 (2024) → $174,074 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newark, NJ
Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Newark or Parsippany-Troy Hills?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Parsippany-Troy Hills?
Should I relocate from Newark to Parsippany-Troy Hills as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Newark vs Parsippany-Troy Hills?
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