Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Sayreville, NJ: $82.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Sayreville, NJ runs $82.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,422 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Sayreville's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,854 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sayreville, New Jersey, the hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at a competitive $82.41, considerably above the national median of $73.02. This higher wage reflects the specialized skills needed in various environments, such as en route center radar consoles and airport control tower cabs. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week could lead to significant earnings, while per-diem opportunities allow for flexible work schedules. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in Sayreville varies significantly, from $47.80 for entry-level positions to $118.60 for top earners, providing ample opportunities for growth within this profession. It's essential to remember that these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries, providing a strong foundation for earning potential in the region.
About the Sayreville 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) | $47.80 | $382.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59.52 | $476.17 |
| Median (P50) | $82.41 | $659.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.49 | $843.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.60 | $948.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sayreville
Based on $82.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.41/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sayreville, NJ can expect to earn approximately $171,423 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,898. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sayreville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sayreville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,296.60 | $14,285 | $171,423 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,977.96 | $8,571 | $102,854 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,318.64 | $5,714 | $68,569 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Sayreville) | $82.41 |
| 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 Sayreville, NJ earn a median of $171,422 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.80% below the New Jersey state average of $176,360.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.41/hr = $102,854/year (purchasing power: $89,283).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,423/year (purchasing power: $148,805).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sayreville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Sayreville grew 20.4% from $66.74/hr (2019) to $80.35/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.53/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 Sayreville 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 Sayreville
The earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Sayreville can be substantial. Working a typical three-day week for 24 hours results in a solid annual income, though it falls short of full-time earnings. Many air traffic controllers opt for per-diem arrangements, which can significantly boost their income through overtime pay that often exceeds their base rates. Given the chronic understaffing in the industry, it's not uncommon for controllers at FAA facilities to work upwards of 50-60 hours a week, leading to substantial overtime compensation. Different employer types also affect hourly pay; for instance, controllers at FAA en route centers tend to earn more than those at smaller FAA contract towers. Some choose positions with lower hourly rates that offer health benefits, reflecting a trade-off between total compensation and security. Negotiating pay as an hourly worker in Sayreville requires an understanding of these dynamics, particularly when considering the impact of the FG pay scale versus the GS scale within federal employment.
More salary data for Sayreville, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Sayreville in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Sayreville?
Are air traffic controllers in Sayreville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Sayreville?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Sayreville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Sayreville. 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 Sayreville 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