Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Lakewood, NJ: $84.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Lakewood, NJ runs $84.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $175,042 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $105,030 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Lakewood, New Jersey, can expect a median hourly pay of $84.16 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This elevated rate reflects the local demand for skilled professionals in this critical field, especially given the unique environments in which they operate. Controllers typically work in airy traffic management cells and confined control rooms, often handling high-impact airspace across various facilities, including TRACONs and airport traffic control towers. For those working part-time, such as on a 3-day-a-week schedule, the hourly earning potential allows them to balance career and personal life while still reaping substantial rewards. With hourly rates ranging from $48.81 for entry-level positions to $127.38 for top earners, the financial benefits are considerable, making air traffic controller hourly pay in Lakewood competitive.
About the Lakewood 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) | $48.81 | $390.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.59 | $484.70 |
| Median (P50) | $84.16 | $673.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.72 | $861.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127.38 | $1019.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $84.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.16/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, NJ can expect to earn approximately $175,050 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,990. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,366.35 | $14,588 | $175,050 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,019.81 | $8,753 | $105,030 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,346.54 | $5,835 | $70,020 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Lakewood) | $84.16 |
| 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 Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $175,042 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.25% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $176,453.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.16/hr = $105,030/year (purchasing power: $91,172).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $175,050/year (purchasing power: $151,953).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$68.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$82.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $73.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $81.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $82.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Lakewood grew 20.4% from $68.15/hr (2019) to $82.05/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.32/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Understanding the earning dynamics of air traffic controllers in Lakewood goes beyond just the base hourly rate. For those working part-time, a 3-day-a-week schedule of approximately 24 hours translates to a solid income, though full-time controllers can pocket significantly more through opportunities for overtime. Many contractors may see effective hourly compensation well above their base pay due to the frequent 1.5x overtime for hours worked beyond the standard week, especially in chronically understaffed environments. Additionally, consider the variance in hourly rates across different employers like FAA en route centers, military facilities, and contract towers; each offers distinct benefits and pay structures. Some controllers might opt for a lower hourly rate that includes health insurance as part of their compensation, while those seeking higher pay with no benefits might work per diem jobs in Lakewood. For potential negotiators, emphasizing unique skills or flexibility can lead to better hourly agreements tailored to individual career goals within the FAA and its associated sectors.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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