Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Middletown, NJ: $83.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Middletown, NJ runs $83.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $173,685 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,211 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middletown, New Jersey, air traffic controllers earn a competitive median hourly pay of $83.50, significantly surpassing the national median of $73.02. This higher pay reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with managing air traffic across various environments, such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport towers. For controllers working part-time, averaging three days per week, this hourly compensation not only rewards their expertise but also allows for flexibility in their schedules. The hourly earnings range widely, with entry-level positions starting around $48.43 and seasoned professionals earning up to $117.59, reflecting the diverse experience levels in this critical field. Given that these figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, they provide a foundational understanding of the potential financial benefits available to those entering or advancing in the profession.
About the Middletown 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) | $48.43 | $387.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.49 | $483.88 |
| Median (P50) | $83.50 | $668.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.43 | $843.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.59 | $940.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $83.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.50/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, NJ can expect to earn approximately $173,685 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,203. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,340.09 | $14,474 | $173,685 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,004.05 | $8,684 | $104,211 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,336.04 | $5,789 | $69,474 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Middletown) | $83.50 |
| 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 Middletown, NJ earn a median of $173,685 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.35% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.60% below the New Jersey state average of $176,509.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.50/hr = $104,211/year (purchasing power: $90,461).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $173,685/year (purchasing power: $150,768).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Middletown grew 20.4% from $67.62/hr (2019) to $81.41/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.65/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
Examining the financial landscape for part-time air traffic controllers reveals substantial earning potential. A controller working 24 hours per week can expect to take home an annual income much lower than that of someone fully employed, but they still benefit from significant hourly earnings. Many controllers often work overtime, earning time-and-a-half for any hours beyond their standard schedule, which can lead to effective hourly compensation that greatly exceeds their base rates, with annual bonuses sometimes reaching between $50,000 and $100,000 from overtime alone. Employers across Middletown present varied compensation levels; FAA en route centers and TRACON facilities typically offer the best pay scales compared to FAA contract towers and military services. The benefits trade-off is also critical; while some may opt for lower hourly rates at FAA positions that come with comprehensive health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Consequently, it's essential for workers to engage in effective salary negotiations for per diem air traffic controller pay in Middletown, ensuring they maximize their earnings while considering their long-term career goals.
More salary data for Middletown, 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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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