Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Edison, NJ: $83.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Edison, NJ runs $83.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $174,073 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Edison's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,441 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Edison, New Jersey, the projected hourly pay for air traffic controllers in 2026 is expected to be $83.69, significantly surpassing the national median of $73.02. This higher rate reflects Edison’s unique economic conditions and the specialized skills required in air traffic control roles. For those considering part-time positions, working just three days a week could yield substantial earnings, allowing controllers to balance work commitments with personal pursuits. The hourly pay range in Edison varies, with entry-level controllers starting at approximately $48.54 and top-tier professionals, particularly those in high-responsibility en route centers or busy airport traffic control towers, earning up to $125.53 per hour. Despite the pressures of the job—often working from windowless radar facilities or busy towers—these hourly rates indicate a rewarding compensation structure.
About the Edison 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) | $48.54 | $388.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.26 | $482.08 |
| Median (P50) | $83.69 | $669.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.12 | $856.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125.53 | $1004.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Edison
Based on $83.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.69/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Edison, NJ can expect to earn approximately $174,069 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,424. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Edison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Edison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,347.47 | $14,506 | $174,069 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,008.48 | $8,703 | $104,441 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,338.99 | $5,802 | $69,627 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Edison) | $83.69 |
| 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 Edison, NJ earn a median of $174,073 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.61% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% below the New Jersey state average of $176,365.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.69/hr = $104,441/year (purchasing power: $90,661).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $174,069/year (purchasing power: $151,101).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Edison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Edison grew 20.4% from $67.77/hr (2019) to $81.59/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.84/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 Edison 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 Edison
Exploring the realities of air traffic controller pay in Edison reveals a complex earning potential, especially for those contemplating part-time work. A controller working 24 hours a week can expect a solid annual income compared to full-time positions, yet many opt for the full schedule due to the lucrative overtime opportunities that exist in this industry. Frequently, controllers find themselves working 50 to 60 hours a week, particularly during understaffed periods, leading to substantial income boosts that can add anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 annually in overtime pay. Among various employment types, including FAA ARTCCs, TRACONs, and contract towers, differences in hourly compensation reflect the diverse operational focuses of each facility. Controllers seeking stability may choose to accept lower hourly pay in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, while others might negotiate for higher pay without benefits, particularly in a climate of chronic staffing shortages. When maneuvering through job offers, knowing the nuances of per diem air traffic controller pay in Edison can offer a competitive edge, allowing for strategic decisions based on current market demands and personal career goals.
More salary data for Edison, 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 Edison. 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 Edison 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