Air Traffic Controller Salary in Camden, NJ: $198,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Camden, NJ earns a median $198,830/year (≈ $95.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Camden's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $172,595 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Camden, New Jersey, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $198,830, significantlyhigher than the national median of $151,886. With a salary range stretching from $115,322 at the 10th percentile to $292,065 at the 90th percentile, Camden offers robust compensation for air traffic controllers navigating their careers within this region. Estimates are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parities, reflecting the distinct economic context of Camden. The job market in this city includes a limited but crucial number of employed controllers, indicating a competitive environment for those entering this profession.
About the Camden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $115,322 | $55.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $143,158 | $68.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $198,830 | $95.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $254,502 | $122.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $292,065 | $140.42 |
Median Salary Position
30.91% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camden
In Camden, NJ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $176,743 (2026 est.). At $198,830, the local median is 30.91% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Camden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Camden Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Camden median: $198,830/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Camden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $203,719 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +30.91% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Camden, NJ earn a median of $198,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.91% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $203,719.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Camden has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Camden, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $198,830 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $172,595 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$161,003
2025 BLS Actual
$193,848
2026 Current Est.
$198,830
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Camden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $161,003 | Actual |
| 2020 | $170,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $169,853 | Actual |
| 2022 | $173,125 | Actual |
| 2023 | $179,841 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $193,848 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $198,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $203,940 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Camden metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $161,003 (2019) to $193,848 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $203,940 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,937 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camden 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $115,322 – $143,158 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $143,158 – $198,830 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $198,830 – $254,502 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $254,502 – $292,065 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Camden
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Camden consists of just 16 employed professionals, indicating a potentially competitive atmosphere, particularly for those transitioning from various hiring pipelines like CTI programs or military service. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, salaries must stretch further in Camden compared to the national average. To maximize earnings, potential controllers should focus on securing positions at FAA en route centers or terminal facilities, as these tend to offer the highest pay. Additional factors influencing compensation include the facility tier, certification status, shift differentials, and available overtime. By pursuing CPC certification and remaining open to mandatory overtime, controllers can effectively enhance their earning potential within this specialized field while ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of air traffic control in Camden, NJ.
More salary data for Camden, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $193,848 for air traffic controllersin the Camden metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camden 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