Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Kearny, NJ: $82.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Kearny, NJ runs $82.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $170,669 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Kearny's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,406 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Kearny, NJ, features a competitive air traffic controller hourly pay, with a median rate of $82.06. This rate is notably higher than the national median of $73.02, giving local controllers a financial advantage over many of their colleagues across the country. Part-time controllers, typically working three days a week, benefit from this hourly rate, which translates into substantial earnings even for a reduced schedule. In the unique environments of air traffic control—such as en route centers and TRACON facilities—hourly compensation reflects the demanding nature of the role, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $48.04 while top earners can reach $117.33 hourly. These estimates are derived from annual salary conversions and reflect the high level of skill and responsibility associated with managing air traffic.
About the Kearny 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) | $48.04 | $384.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.64 | $485.12 |
| Median (P50) | $82.06 | $656.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.34 | $818.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.33 | $938.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearny
Based on $82.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.06/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearny, NJ can expect to earn approximately $170,676 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,467. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kearny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,282.24 | $14,223 | $170,676 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,969.34 | $8,534 | $102,406 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,312.90 | $5,689 | $68,271 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Kearny) | $82.06 |
| 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 Kearny, NJ earn a median of $170,669 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.37% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $176,494.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.06/hr = $102,406/year (purchasing power: $88,894).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $170,676/year (purchasing power: $148,157).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Kearny grew 20.4% from $66.45/hr (2019) to $80.00/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.16/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 Kearny 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 Kearny
Considering part-time positions, a controller in Kearny working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, would earn over $102,000 annually, making it a viable option for those seeking flexible schedules. Many controllers opt for per-diem work, which can significantly boost their earnings through available overtime; those working in understaffed facilities might often clock 50-60 hours weekly, resulting in effective hourly compensation soaring beyond the base rate. This high earning potential is particularly prevalent among those working in FAA en route centers or terminal TRACONs, where staffing demands drive up the effective remuneration. Moreover, some professionals might choose lower hourly rates that include benefits like health insurance, while others prefer the allure of higher pay with fewer perks, reflecting personal preferences and financial strategies. Negotiating hourly rates effectively is crucial in this market, considering the diverse employer types from FAA to military control, and understanding local dynamics can enhance compensation opportunities in Kearny.
More salary data for Kearny, 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 Kearny. 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 Kearny 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