Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hackensack, NJ: $81.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hackensack, NJ runs $81.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $169,287 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hackensack's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,574 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hackensack, New Jersey, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $81.39. This figure surpasses the national median hourly rate of $73.02, indicating a competitive compensation environment for this profession in the region. For part-time controllers who might work three days a week, this translates to a substantial income that supports stability even when working less than full-time hours. The hourly range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $47.20 per hour, while experienced controllers can command rates as high as $115.16 per hour. This pay structure reflects compensation derived from annual salary estimates, making it clear that air traffic controller hourly pay in Hackensack positions it favorably within the national landscape, particularly considering the unique work environments, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers where these professionals operate.
About the Hackensack 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) | $47.20 | $377.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.35 | $474.78 |
| Median (P50) | $81.39 | $651.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.83 | $806.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.16 | $921.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hackensack
Based on $81.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.39/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hackensack, NJ can expect to earn approximately $169,290 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,667. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hackensack.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hackensack
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,255.57 | $14,107 | $169,290 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,953.34 | $8,464 | $101,574 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,302.23 | $5,643 | $67,716 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hackensack) | $81.39 |
| 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 Hackensack, NJ earn a median of $169,287 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.46% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.00% below the New Jersey state average of $176,340.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.39/hr = $101,574/year (purchasing power: $88,172).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $169,290/year (purchasing power: $146,953).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hackensack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $78.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hackensack grew 20.4% from $65.91/hr (2019) to $79.35/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.48/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 Hackensack 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 Hackensack
For air traffic controllers in Hackensack, the part-time earning potential can create compelling scenarios. A typical part-time schedule comprising 24 hours per week could generate nearly $101,202 annually, which still reflects a strong income despite the reduced hours. The per diem air traffic controller pay in Hackensack is especially intriguing due to the possibility of overtime—often boosting effective hourly compensation significantly above the base rate. Many controllers, especially in understaffed facilities, find themselves working 50-60 hours weekly, leading to substantial additional earnings. Certain controller types, such as those in FAA en route centers, may command higher pay due to the responsibilities involved, while contract towers might offer different compensation structures. When it comes to negotiations, those seeking positions should weigh the benefits of steady employment against higher hourly rates that lack health insurance, ensuring they make informed decisions about their career paths in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Hackensack, 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 Hackensack. 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 Hackensack 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