Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Atlantic City, NJ: $81.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Atlantic City, NJ runs $81.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,327 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Atlantic City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,201 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Atlantic City, NJ, can expect a median hourly rate of $81.89, which is notably higher than the national average of $73.02. This competitive pay reflects the challenges of the role, often performed at en route centers, TRACON facilities, or control towers where the environment varies dramatically. For those working part-time, such as 24 hours a week across three days, this rate provides a strong income, enabling them to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while balancing work and personal commitments. The hourly earnings can vary significantly, ranging from $47.67 for entry-level positions to $111.78 for experienced controllers at the upper percentile, showcasing the potential for lucrative pay in Atlantic City’s FAA facilities.
About the Atlantic City Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.67 | $381.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.33 | $482.65 |
| Median (P50) | $81.89 | $655.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101.98 | $815.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.78 | $894.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlantic City
Based on $81.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.89/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlantic City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $170,335 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,270. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlantic City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlantic City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,275.68 | $14,195 | $170,335 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,965.41 | $8,517 | $102,201 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,310.27 | $5,678 | $68,134 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Atlantic City) | $81.89 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Atlantic City, NJ earn a median of $170,327 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.14% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% below the New Jersey state average of $176,504.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.89/hr = $102,201/year (purchasing power: $88,716).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,335/year (purchasing power: $147,860).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+78.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Atlantic City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Atlantic City grew 70.1% from $46.94/hr (2019) to $79.84/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.00/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlantic City 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Atlantic City
When considering a part-time role, part-time air traffic controllers who work 24 hours weekly might bring home substantial earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. Overtime can also play a significant role in total compensation; many controllers often log between 50-60 hours a week due to chronic staffing shortages, yielding overtime pay that can substantially elevate their effective hourly pay. Different types of employers add further complexity to pay structures in Atlantic City. For example, controllers at high-volume FAA en route centers or military installations may earn differently than those at FAA contract towers, especially given the nuances of benefits versus hourly rates. While per diem air traffic controller pay in Atlantic City can vary based on facility needs, some controllers may appreciate the possibility of higher hourly pay with less stability, weighing the trade-offs against the benefits of full-time roles that include health insurance and retirement options. Negotiating these factors can significantly impact long-term earnings and job satisfaction for aspiring controllers in the area.
More salary data for Atlantic City, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Atlantic City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Atlantic City 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