Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Elizabeth, NJ: $85.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Elizabeth, NJ runs $85.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $178,035 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Elizabeth's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $106,822 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elizabeth, New Jersey, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $85.59, significantly above the national median of $73.02. This elevated rate reflects the demanding nature of the job, which often includes working in high-pressure environments such as radar facilities and control towers. For those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, this hourly pay translates to substantial earnings, making it an attractive option for professionals looking for flexible schedules. New air traffic controllers can expect to start around $49.64 per hour, while experienced controllers may see earnings approaching $129.31 per hour, indicative of the role's upward mobility and the need for specialized skills in Elizabeth's busy air traffic environment.
About the Elizabeth 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) | $49.64 | $397.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.87 | $494.96 |
| Median (P50) | $85.59 | $684.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109.56 | $876.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129.31 | $1034.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabeth
Based on $85.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $85.59/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabeth, NJ can expect to earn approximately $178,037 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $102,714. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elizabeth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabeth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,423.79 | $14,836 | $178,037 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,054.27 | $8,902 | $106,822 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,369.51 | $5,935 | $71,215 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Elizabeth) | $85.59 |
| 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 Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $178,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.22% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $176,447.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $85.59/hr = $106,822/year (purchasing power: $92,728).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $178,037/year (purchasing power: $154,546).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$69.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$83.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$85.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $73.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $73.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $74.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $77.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $82.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $83.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Elizabeth grew 20.4% from $69.31/hr (2019) to $83.45/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.79/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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth
For part-time air traffic controllers working in Elizabeth, taking on a schedule of 24 hours a week could yield an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts; however, the potential for overtime and additional shifts shifts the conversation. Controllers often log overtime hours at a rate of 1.5 times their base pay, frequently pushing their effective compensation beyond the standard base, particularly in understaffed facilities where 50-60 hour weeks are common. Consequently, per diem air traffic controller pay in Elizabeth can be highly negotiable, especially when transitioning between facilities. Earnings can greatly vary based on the type of employer—FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contract towers each present distinct compensation structures. Additionally, some professionals choose to trade off higher hourly wages for the benefits associated with federal employment, which may include health insurance. Negotiating for a better hourly rate while considering the comprehensive benefits package is crucial for controllers navigating their career options in this competitive field.
More salary data for Elizabeth, 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 Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth 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