Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Bayonne, NJ: $81.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Bayonne, NJ runs $81.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,345 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Bayonne'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 Bayonne, New Jersey, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is $81.89, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This difference offers promising earning potential for part-time workers and those exploring per diem positions in various settings, from en route centers to airport control towers. The hourly rates range from $47.50 for entry-level positions to $120.38 for the most experienced controllers. These figures are based on annual salary estimates from 2025 BLS data, translating to substantial hourly compensation reflective of the demanding nature of the job. Air traffic controllers frequently work in dynamic environments that require precision and focus, whether they're at radar consoles in dimly lit control rooms or overseeing bustling airport traffic from elevated towers.
About the Bayonne 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) | $47.50 | $380.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.97 | $471.74 |
| Median (P50) | $81.89 | $655.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104.83 | $838.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120.38 | $963.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bayonne
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 Bayonne, 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 Bayonne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bayonne
| 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 (Bayonne) | $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 Bayonne, NJ earn a median of $170,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.15% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% below the New Jersey state average of $176,341.
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
$66.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bayonne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.15/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 Bayonne grew 20.4% from $66.31/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 Bayonne 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 Bayonne
Given the potential earnings, part-time air traffic controllers, working approximately 24 hours a week, can realistically expect to take home around $100,000 annually if they are maximizing hours with effective scheduling. Furthermore, the reality of per-diem roles often leads to lucrative overtime opportunities, with many controllers clocking in 50 to 60 hours a week, resulting in annual earnings that can soar significantly past $100,000 when including overtime pay rates. Each facility type in Bayonne influences compensation differently; for example, FAA en route centers typically offer the highest salaries compared to FAA contract towers. Additionally, air traffic controllers must weigh the benefits of positions with health insurance coverage against higher hourly rates that come without such perks. Those negotiating hourly contracts should stay informed about local pay scales and consider discussing relocation benefits or shifts that allow for primarily daytime hours to enhance overall job satisfaction while maximizing their air traffic controller hourly pay in Bayonne.
More salary data for Bayonne, 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 Bayonne. 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 Bayonne 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