Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Camden, NJ: $95.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Camden, NJ runs $95.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $198,830 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Camden's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $82.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $119,303 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Camden, New Jersey, offers an appealing hourly pay structure for air traffic controllers, with a median rate projected at $95.60 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This competitive pay model enhances the appeal for those seeking part-time work. Controllers working just three days a week could earn a substantial income, providing opportunities for flexibility in scheduling while maintaining a solid financial status. In Camden, hourly rates range from $55.44 at the entry-level to $140.42 for experienced controllers, reflecting the demand for skilled air traffic management in various settings, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. These rates are derived from annual salary data but exemplify the diverse earning potential in different environments, allowing flexibility for both full-time and per diem air traffic controller pay in Camden.
For those considering part-time or per-diem work as air traffic controllers in Camden, the financial dynamics can be quite favorable. A part-time controller working 24 hours a week might effectively earn over $118,000 annually, a figure that highlights the lucrative nature of this profession even with reduced hours. Moreover, controllers often find themselves working significant overtime, with rates reaching 1.5 times their base pay, substantially boosting their overall compensation. Veterans of this field, particularly at understaffed facilities, routinely clock 50 to 60 hours a week, leading to annual earnings surmounting $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime alone. Various employer types across Camden, such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and military installations, offer differing pay scales and benefits, creating a trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower rates with robust health insurance that may appeal to some controllers. Negotiation can also play a significant role, with practical strategies focusing on skill sets and demanding environments to secure favorable hourly conditions in a competitive market.
About the Camden 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) | $55.44 | $443.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68.82 | $550.60 |
| Median (P50) | $95.60 | $764.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122.36 | $978.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140.42 | $1123.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Camden
Based on $95.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $95.60/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Camden, NJ can expect to earn approximately $198,838 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $114,714. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Camden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Camden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,823.81 | $16,570 | $198,838 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,294.29 | $9,942 | $119,303 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,529.52 | $6,628 | $79,535 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Camden) | $95.60 |
| 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 Camden, NJ earn a median of $198,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.91% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $203,719.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $95.60/hr = $119,303/year (purchasing power: $103,562).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $198,838/year (purchasing power: $172,603).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$77.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$93.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$95.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Camden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $82.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $81.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $83.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $86.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $93.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Camden grew 20.4% from $77.41/hr (2019) to $93.20/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $98.05/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 Camden 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.
More salary data for Camden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Camden in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Camden?
Are air traffic controllers in Camden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Camden?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Camden?
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 Camden. 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 Camden 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