Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Trenton, NJ: $83.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Trenton, NJ runs $83.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $173,461 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Trenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,083 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Trenton, New Jersey, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $83.40 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $73.02. This appealing hourly rate creates fertile ground for both part-time and per-diem positions, allowing specialists to work three days a week in settings such as en route center radar consoles or control tower cabs. With an hourly range stretching from $48.37 to $125.56, even entry-level controllers can find a path to substantial earnings, with opportunities to enhance their pay in facilities that demand long hours or high-pressure environments. Overall, the hourly compensation reflects the high stakes of air traffic control while considering the operational realities found in the diverse settings across Trenton.
About the Trenton 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) | $48.37 | $386.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.28 | $482.24 |
| Median (P50) | $83.40 | $667.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105.17 | $841.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125.56 | $1004.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Trenton
Based on $83.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.40/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Trenton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $173,471 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,080. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Trenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Trenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,335.99 | $14,456 | $173,471 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,001.59 | $8,674 | $104,083 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,334.39 | $5,782 | $69,389 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Trenton) | $83.40 |
| 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 Trenton, NJ earn a median of $173,461 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.20% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.70% below the New Jersey state average of $176,461.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.40/hr = $104,083/year (purchasing power: $90,350).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $173,471/year (purchasing power: $150,583).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Trenton grew 20.4% from $67.53/hr (2019) to $81.31/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.54/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 Trenton 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 Trenton
The earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Trenton can be substantial. A professional working a typical three-day week could take home roughly $84,672 annually, compared to full-timers who may be pushing $173,461. Additionally, those considering per-diem roles must recognize that effective hourly compensation can balloon due to frequently available overtime, with many controllers racking up significant hours that can push their earnings upwards of $100k through extra shifts. Different employers in Trenton, ranging from FAA en route centers to military ATC roles, also yield varied hourly rates, reflecting the trade-offs between salaries and benefits such as health insurance. Negotiating compensation effectively hinges on understanding these dynamics within the local context, as certain facilities may offer higher hourly rates at the expense of stability and job security.
More salary data for Trenton, 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 Trenton. 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 Trenton 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