Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Union City, NJ: $83.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Union City, NJ runs $83.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $173,993 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Union City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,390 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Union City, New Jersey, the air traffic controller hourly rate is projected to be $83.65 in 2026, placing it significantly above the national hourly median of $73.02. This attractive pay reflects the demanding nature of the role, which often takes place in various settings, including en route center radar consoles and airport control towers. For part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week, this translates to a substantial compensation for just 24 hours of work each week. The hourly wage ranges from $48.52 for entry-level positions to $123.40 for top earners, making it a lucrative career choice in the region. Potential per-diem air traffic controller pay in Union City can also be negotiated, particularly for those engaged in training or emergency relief roles, offering added flexibility and opportunity for those seeking to maximize their earnings within the profession.
About the Union City 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) | $48.52 | $388.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.77 | $486.18 |
| Median (P50) | $83.65 | $669.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.07 | $856.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123.40 | $987.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union City
Based on $83.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.65/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $173,983 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,375. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,345.83 | $14,499 | $173,983 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,007.50 | $8,699 | $104,390 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,338.33 | $5,799 | $69,593 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Union City) | $83.65 |
| 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 Union City, NJ earn a median of $173,993 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.55% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $176,463.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.65/hr = $104,390/year (purchasing power: $90,616).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $173,983/year (purchasing power: $151,027).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$67.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $71.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Union City grew 20.4% from $67.73/hr (2019) to $81.55/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.80/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 Union City 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 Union City
When considering the financial implications of part-time work, a three-day-per-week schedule ends up significantly shaping an air traffic controller's annual take-home pay compared to full-time colleagues. Controllers often find themselves in positions where overtime becomes a norm, with many working between 50 to 60 hours weekly, especially in understaffed facilities. This can lead to annual earnings exceeding $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime pay alone, driving total compensation well beyond the base rate. The variety of employer types in Union City significantly influences hourly pay structures; controllers at FAA en route centers generally earn more compared to those in terminal control or smaller contract towers. While some controllers may choose positions offering lower hourly wages for the sake of health insurance and benefits, others might prioritize higher pay and flexibility without benefits. Those considering positions should be prepared to negotiate their hourly rates based on the facility and potential overtime, tailoring their approach to meet both personal needs and market conditions in NJ’s air traffic control domain.
More salary data for Union City, 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 Union City. 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 Union City 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