Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Bloomfield, NJ: $82.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Bloomfield, NJ runs $82.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $172,246 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Bloomfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,353 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bloomfield, NJ, the air traffic controller hourly pay averages around $82.82, which surpasses the national hourly median of $73.02 by nearly 13.4%. This attractive hourly rate is particularly beneficial for those contemplating part-time roles, allowing for more flexibility while still offering substantial earnings. Controllers who work three days a week could expect a paycheck reflecting this hourly rate, providing significant compensation even on a reduced schedule. Entry-level positions start at about $48.03 per hour, while experienced controllers can reach up to $120.50 per hour, emphasizing the potential for substantial financial growth based on experience and responsibilities within different control environments—be it en route centers or airport traffic control towers.
About the Bloomfield 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) | $48.03 | $384.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.62 | $476.99 |
| Median (P50) | $82.82 | $662.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106.00 | $847.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120.50 | $963.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bloomfield
Based on $82.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.82/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bloomfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $172,255 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,378. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bloomfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bloomfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,312.60 | $14,355 | $172,255 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,987.56 | $8,613 | $103,353 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,325.04 | $5,742 | $68,902 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Bloomfield) | $82.82 |
| 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 Bloomfield, NJ earn a median of $172,246 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.40% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $176,481.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.82/hr = $103,353/year (purchasing power: $89,716).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $172,255/year (purchasing power: $149,527).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bloomfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Bloomfield grew 20.4% from $67.06/hr (2019) to $80.74/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.94/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 Bloomfield 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 Bloomfield
Looking at the economic realities, the financial outcomes for part-time air traffic controllers in Bloomfield are notable. A controller working 24 hours per week could take home approximately $64,000 annually, a compelling option compared to full-time commitments. Additionally, per diem or contract controllers often have higher earning potentials, especially when factoring in the overtime opportunities that many face. It’s common for controllers at understaffed facilities to work 50-60 hours a week, leading to effective hourly compensation that can significantly exceed base rates. Each employer type in Bloomfield presents distinct compensation frameworks, with FAA facilities typically providing stable hourly earnings but possibly lighter overtime than military or contracted positions. Contracted controllers may negotiate higher pay due to the absence of benefits, compelling controllers to weigh the trade-off of hourly rates against employer-provided health insurance. Negotiation for hourly workers is critical; understanding the local pay scale and industry benchmarks can empower controllers to secure favorable compensation terms.
More salary data for Bloomfield, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Bloomfield in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Bloomfield?
Are air traffic controllers in Bloomfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Bloomfield?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Bloomfield?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Bloomfield. 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 Bloomfield 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