Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Westfield, NJ: $82.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Westfield, NJ runs $82.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,655 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Westfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,995 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westfield, NJ, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at $82.53, significantly above the national median of $73.02. This favorable rate reflects the high responsibility and specialized skills required for this profession, particularly within the rigorous environments of en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For controllers who might opt for part-time work, say three days a week, they can expect to earn around $1,736 weekly, which is a considerable figure that shows the lucrative nature of the job, even when working reduced hours. Entry-level positions start at approximately $47.87 per hour, while top earners can command up to $114.11, indicating a robust earning potential across different experience levels in Westfield.
About the Westfield 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) | $47.87 | $382.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.57 | $492.58 |
| Median (P50) | $82.53 | $660.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.46 | $827.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.11 | $912.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westfield
Based on $82.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.53/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $171,658 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,033. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,301.11 | $14,305 | $171,658 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,980.67 | $8,583 | $102,995 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,320.45 | $5,722 | $68,663 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Westfield) | $82.53 |
| 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 Westfield, NJ earn a median of $171,655 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.02% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.70% below the New Jersey state average of $176,418.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.53/hr = $102,995/year (purchasing power: $89,405).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,658/year (purchasing power: $149,009).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Westfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $71.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Westfield grew 20.4% from $66.83/hr (2019) to $80.46/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $84.65/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 Westfield 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 Westfield
For part-time air traffic controllers working 24 hours weekly, their annual take-home could be over $90,000, a striking figure that demonstrates the viability of this role even on a limited schedule. Many controllers find themselves in per-diem positions, where hourly compensation can leap due to overtime rates of 1.5 times the base pay, particularly in understaffed facilities. This can lead to annual earnings of $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime, especially for those covering busy environments or engaging in training at other locations. Westfield’s pay structure varies depending on the employing entity, with FAA ARTCCs and TRACONs offering competitive hourly rates compared to municipal or contract towers. Those considering positions must weigh the benefits of health insurance with lower hourly rates against higher pay without benefits in the contractor space. For effective negotiations, controllers should consider their experience level, facility type, and the ongoing need for flexibility in hours as they approach conversations about compensation.
More salary data for Westfield, 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 Westfield. 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 Westfield 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