Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Brick, NJ: $85.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Brick, NJ runs $85.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $177,668 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Brick's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $106,605 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Brick, New Jersey, can expect an hourly median pay of $85.42, which significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive rate creates appealing opportunities for part-time workers, who may find that just three days a week can yield substantial earnings. For instance, working only 24 hours, they would earn over $41,000 annually. Per-diem positions, often filled by controllers at various FAA facilities, offer flexibility and the possibility of negotiating rates for training. The hourly pay range extends from $49.54, typically for entry-level positions, to an impressive $124.17 for top-level earners. These figures reflect salary estimates derived from annual data, translating into promising hourly earnings that are essential to recruitment and retention within the profession, especially in environments like radar consoles and control tower cabs.
About the Brick 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) | $49.54 | $396.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.50 | $492.01 |
| Median (P50) | $85.42 | $683.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109.33 | $874.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124.17 | $993.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brick
Based on $85.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $85.42/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brick, NJ can expect to earn approximately $177,674 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $102,504. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,416.81 | $14,806 | $177,674 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,050.09 | $8,884 | $106,605 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,366.72 | $5,922 | $71,070 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Brick) | $85.42 |
| 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 Brick, NJ earn a median of $177,668 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.97% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% above the New Jersey state average of $176,433.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $85.42/hr = $106,605/year (purchasing power: $92,539).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $177,674/year (purchasing power: $154,231).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$69.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$83.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$85.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Brick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $73.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $74.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $77.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $82.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $83.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Brick grew 20.4% from $69.17/hr (2019) to $83.28/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.62/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 Brick 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 Brick
Part-time roles can provide a steady income stream for individuals balancing other commitments, yet it's crucial to consider full-time earnings, especially due to the extensive overtime opportunities available. Fulfilling 50-60 hour weeks is common, especially in FAA en route centers and facilities where chronic understaffing has become the norm. Controllers in such settings may exceed their base pay significantly through overtime, potentially reaping annual sums of $50,000 to $100,000 or more. Variances in hourly rates across different employment types in Brick, including FAA towers, military ATC, and contract facilities, highlight the diverse opportunities within the field. Some controllers may opt for lower hourly rates that include health insurance benefits, trading off higher pay for stability. It's important for potential candidates to negotiate their pay accordingly, understanding the full scope of benefits and compensation packages offered by different employers in the region.
More salary data for Brick, 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 Brick. 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 Brick 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