Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Gloucester Township, NJ: $102,756 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Gloucester Township, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $102,756 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gloucester Township's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,198 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($177,164) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates aspiring to become air traffic controllers in Gloucester Township should have realistic expectations regarding their starting pay. In 2026, entry-level positions are projected to offer a salary of around $102,756, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $177,164. This gap is quite pronounced, reflecting both the experience level and the demand for skills that grow as controllers advance in their careers. New professionals can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain experience, moving from the entry-level pay to approximately $127,558 as they reach the 25th percentile within a few years. Given the attractive starting compensation relative to many other entry-level positions, Gloucester Township represents a promising market for fresh graduates eager to enter the air traffic control field.
About the Gloucester Township Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gloucester Township
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 Gloucester Township
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Gloucester Township, NJ typically start between $102,756 and $127,558 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $147,307 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $177,164 — 16.64% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in New Jersey of $52,000 represents just 50.61% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($102,756/year) in Gloucester Township. 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 Gloucester Township
- 1Research the Gloucester Township market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $102,756 to $127,558, 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 Gloucester Township, 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 Gloucester Township for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Gloucester Township'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 Gloucester Township is $147,307 ( 143.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $102,756, experienced hygienists can earn up to $250,063.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$87,291
2025 BLS Actual
$100,181
2026 Current Est.
$102,756
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Gloucester Township (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,291 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,826 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,011 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,332 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,305 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,181 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,756 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,396 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Gloucester Township, NJ grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $87,291 in 2019 to $100,181 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $105,396. New graduates entering the Gloucester Township job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gloucester Township 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 Gloucester Township
To successfully navigate the initial career phase in air traffic control, new graduates in Gloucester Township should prioritize understanding the hiring landscape. The FAA actively recruits fresh talent through various avenues, such as periodic public hiring announcements and partnerships with the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). To be eligible, applicants must generally be under 31 unless they are military veterans. Continuing education and meeting certain credentials can enhance starting pay; for instance, obtaining a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is crucial. Additionally, FAA Academy training—which is compensated—lasts around 3-5 months, after which facility-specific training can take up to three years. In an environment marked by chronic staffing shortages, controllers can expect notable overtime opportunities that can significantly boost their income. With mandatory retirement at age 56, the need for new talent will remain robust, so newcomers can anticipate a steady career growth trajectory characterized by increases in salary and responsibility after their initial years in the field.
More salary data for Gloucester Township, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Gloucester Township in 2026?
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Is aviation school worth it in Gloucester Township?
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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 Gloucester Township. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gloucester Township 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