Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jersey City, NJ: $107,202 (2026)

In Jersey City, the FAA is the primary employer for new graduate air traffic controllers, actively recruiting through both "off-the-street" hiring announcements and the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. The age limit of 31 for applicants (with exceptions for military veterans) emphasizes the importance of early application to secure a position. Earning a bachelor’s degree or acquiring three years of relevant experience can enhance a candidate's prospects, especially when coupled with passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). As controllers embark on their career paths, they should focus on gaining certifications and completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, followed by years of facility-specific training. The potential for earnings can substantially increase as entry-level employees transition to Certified Professional Controllers (CPC), with top-tier facilities offering base salaries between $130k and $180k, supplemented by overtime and shift differentials, significantly elevating total income. With future demand driven by chronic staffing shortages, newcomers in this profession may find a favorable trajectory for career advancement and salary growth during the critical early years.