Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Marlboro, NJ: $80.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Marlboro, NJ runs $80.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,411 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Marlboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,049 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air traffic controllers in Marlboro, NJ, earn a median hourly pay of $80.97, which reflects a substantial 10.88% increase over the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive rate indicates that professionals in this field enjoy a lucrative earning potential, even when working part-time or as per-diem employees in various settings. Controllers at en route centers typically manage traffic from radar consoles in dimly lit control rooms, while those in TRACON facilities coordinate operations close to major airports, and those in airport traffic control towers oversee landings and takeoffs with panoramic views. The hourly pay range for air traffic controllers in Marlboro is quite vast, starting from approximately $46.96 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $113.76 for the highest earners, illustrating the diverse opportunities available in this profession.
About the Marlboro 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) | $46.96 | $375.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.54 | $468.29 |
| Median (P50) | $80.97 | $647.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.80 | $822.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113.76 | $910.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Marlboro
Based on $80.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.97/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Marlboro, NJ can expect to earn approximately $168,415 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,163. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Marlboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Marlboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,238.75 | $14,035 | $168,415 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,943.25 | $8,421 | $101,049 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,295.50 | $5,614 | $67,366 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Marlboro) | $80.97 |
| 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 Marlboro, NJ earn a median of $168,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.88% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the New Jersey state average of $176,346.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.97/hr = $101,049/year (purchasing power: $87,716).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,415/year (purchasing power: $146,194).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$65.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Marlboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $78.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Marlboro grew 20.4% from $65.56/hr (2019) to $78.94/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.05/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 Marlboro 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 Marlboro
When examining the part-time earning potential of an air traffic controller in Marlboro, a 3-day work week translating to 24 hours can make for substantial take-home pay compared to full-time salaries. Many in this field often capitalize on overtime, where rates soar to 1.5 times the base hourly pay, resulting in effective compensation that can exceed $100,000 annually through overtime shifts. The opportunities for per diem air traffic controller pay in Marlboro also prove enticing, as controllers engaged in facility transfer training may negotiate favorable terms. Variability exists depending on employer type; FAA en route centers tend to pay more than their TRACON or airport counterparts. Moreover, military positions and FAA contract towers also contribute to the market diversity, each with their own pay structures. While some may opt for roles that offer robust health insurance at slightly lower hourly rates, others pursue higher hourly pay without benefits. For negotiators, understanding local compensation trends and leveraging the chronic understaffing can prove advantageous in securing more favorable hourly situations and working conditions.
More salary data for Marlboro, 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 Marlboro. 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 Marlboro 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