Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cherry Hill, NJ: $99,408 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Cherry Hill, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $99,408 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cherry Hill's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,292 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($171,393) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those recent graduates stepping into the world of air traffic control in Cherry Hill, NJ, a realistic starting salary is projected at $99,408 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the overall median salary for air traffic controllers in the area, which stands at $171,393. However, new grads can anticipate a growth trajectory where they move from this entry-level pay through the P25 mark of $123,403 and potentially closer to the median within their first few years of experience. Given the competitive hiring scene and the increased demand for air traffic controllers, now is a promising time for newcomers to enter this field in Cherry Hill.
About the Cherry Hill Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cherry Hill
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 Cherry Hill
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Cherry Hill, NJ typically start between $99,408 and $123,403 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $148,323 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $171,393 — 12.84% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in New Jersey of $52,000 represents just 52.31% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($99,408/year) in Cherry Hill. 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 Cherry Hill
- 1Research the Cherry Hill market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $99,408 to $123,403, 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 Cherry Hill, 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 Cherry Hill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Cherry Hill'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 Cherry Hill is $148,323 ( 149.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $99,408, experienced hygienists can earn up to $247,731.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$84,447
2025 BLS Actual
$96,917
2026 Current Est.
$99,408
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cherry Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,447 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,922 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,834 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,948 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,161 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,917 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,408 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,963 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Cherry Hill, NJ grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $84,447 in 2019 to $96,917 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $101,963. New graduates entering the Cherry Hill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cherry Hill 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 Cherry Hill
In Cherry Hill, employers primarily include the FAA, which recruits new air traffic controllers through public hiring announcements that prioritize applicants under 31 years old, unless they’re military veterans. Recent college graduates can enhance their prospects by participating in the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) programs, which provide a direct pathway to federal employment. Candidates must meet several requirements, including U.S. citizenship and a strong educational background, while also passing the FAA’s Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). The training pathway is rigorous and involves roughly 3-5 months at the FAA Academy, followed by facility-specific training that lasts between one to three years. In these first few years, starting pay may feel limited, but the potential for salary growth is significant, especially for those who aspire to work in top-tier facilities where controllers can earn between $130,000 and $180,000 in base pay, further supplemented by shift differentials and overtime. This prospect makes pursuing a career as an air traffic controller in Cherry Hill an attractive option for new graduates.
More salary data for Cherry Hill, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Cherry Hill in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Cherry Hill?
Is aviation school worth it in Cherry Hill?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Cherry Hill?
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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 Cherry Hill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cherry Hill 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