Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Brick, NJ: $103,047 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Brick, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $103,047 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brick's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,451 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($177,668) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates considering a career as air traffic controllers in Brick, New Jersey can expect initial salaries around $103,047. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, with the median salary for air traffic controllers in the area projected at $177,668. For entry-level professionals, this means a significant gap that might be bridged as they gain experience, with salaries rising to approximately $127,921 in the first few years. Brick currently presents a solid market for new entrants into this field, especially given the ongoing demand for air traffic controllers and the 2.57% annual growth rate in the industry. While the initial pay might be modest compared to the city median, the potential for advancement and higher earnings increases steadily.
About the Brick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brick
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brick
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Brick, NJ typically start between $103,047 and $127,921 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $155,231 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $177,668 — 16.97% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in New Jersey of $52,000 represents just 50.46% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($103,047/year) in Brick. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Brick
- 1Research the Brick market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $103,047 to $127,921, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brick, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Brick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Brick's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Brick is $155,231 ( 150.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $103,047, experienced hygienists can earn up to $258,278.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$87,539
2025 BLS Actual
$100,465
2026 Current Est.
$103,047
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Brick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,539 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,214 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,087 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,277 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,608 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,587 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,047 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,695 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Brick, NJ grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $87,539 in 2019 to $100,465 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $105,695. New graduates entering the Brick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brick metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Brick
The FAA is the primary employer of new air traffic controllers in Brick, frequently announcing opportunities through both public bidding and their Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. To be eligible, candidates typically must be under the age of 31, unless they possess prior military experience, which offers additional pathways. The required credentials involve U.S. citizenship, a bachelor's degree or three years of equivalent work experience, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Completing training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City precedes undertaking facility-specific training. In the initial years, the aviation sector often sees entry-level salaries gradually increasing as controllers navigate through the training process — beginning as trainees within the FG pay scale and ultimately qualifying for higher earnings, especially at major en route centers. Controllers at these top-tier facilities can see pay exceeding $130,000 after certification, with many capitalizing on overtime stemming from chronic understaffing, which has become prevalent since the 2013 sequester. Thus, strategic planning during the first few years can pay off significantly, positioning newcomers well in the New Jersey air traffic controller job market.
More salary data for Brick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Brick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brick is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov