Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Newark, NJ: $89.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Newark, NJ runs $89.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $185,515 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $77.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $111,315 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, New Jersey, air traffic controllers command a substantial median hourly pay of $89.19, significantly surpassing the national median of $73.02. This high hourly rate indicates a promising earning potential for part-time controllers working three days a week, enabling them to balance a rewarding career with personal commitments. Whether situated in en route centers, adjacent TRACON facilities, or the bustling airport towers, air traffic controllers may operate in various unique environments, all requiring acute focus and expertise. The hourly earnings fluctuate considerably, with entry-level positions starting at about $51.73 per hour, while the most experienced professionals can earn up to $138.24. This dynamic range reflects both the demands of the job and the importance of experienced supervision within the air traffic management framework, making Newark's air traffic controller hourly rate a competitive marker in the industry.
About the Newark 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) | $51.73 | $413.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.22 | $513.75 |
| Median (P50) | $89.19 | $713.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114.16 | $913.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $138.24 | $1105.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $89.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $89.19/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, NJ can expect to earn approximately $185,525 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $107,034. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,567.79 | $15,460 | $185,525 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,140.68 | $9,276 | $111,315 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,427.12 | $6,184 | $74,210 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Newark) | $89.19 |
| 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 Newark, NJ earn a median of $185,515 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.14% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% above the New Jersey state average of $176,345.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $89.19/hr = $111,315/year (purchasing power: $96,628).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $185,525/year (purchasing power: $161,046).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$72.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$86.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$89.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $76.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $76.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $77.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $80.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $86.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $86.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Newark grew 20.4% from $72.23/hr (2019) to $86.96/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $91.49/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 Newark 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 Newark
Part-time air traffic controllers in Newark have a unique earning rhythm, netting substantial annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. A three-day work schedule equating to approximately 24 hours weekly translates into about $111,132 annually, a respectable sum that highlights opportunities for those valuing flexibility. Furthermore, the per diem air traffic controller pay in Newark can see lucrative overtime for those willing to work longer hours. With the chronic understaffing circumstances, many controllers exceed the standard 40-hour week, working between 50 to 60 hours and boosting their effective hourly compensation significantly through time-and-a-half overtime rates. Variability in hourly pay also arises from the types of employers: FAA en route centers generally offer more competitive wages than smaller FAA contract towers. For those who prioritize financial security, opting for positions with benefits can be a wise trade-off, even if that means slightly lower hourly pay; negotiation strategies tailored to Newark’s job market can provide essential insights for potential hires.
More salary data for Newark, 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 Newark. 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 Newark 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