Air Traffic Controller Salary in Franklin, NJ: $178,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Franklin, NJ earns a median $178,855/year (≈ $85.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Franklin's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $155,256 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in Franklin, New Jersey, the projected median salary for 2026 stands at an impressive $178,855, exceeding the national median of $151,886 by 17.76%. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $103,736 (P10) and more experienced controllers earning as much as $255,455 (P90). These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional living costs, which highlights the competitive compensation available in the area. Given the 1 to 3-year certification timeline to reach full pay through the CPC pathway and the unique economic realities of developmental controllers, Franklin presents a lucrative opportunity for both current professionals and aspiring air traffic controllers.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,736 | $49.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $128,776 | $61.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $178,855 | $85.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $228,536 | $109.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $255,455 | $122.82 |
Median Salary Position
17.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
In Franklin, NJ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $151,719 (2026 est.). At $178,855, the local median is 17.76% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Franklin: You'd be above the median
How Franklin Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Franklin median: $178,855/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Franklin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $176,386 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +17.76% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Franklin, NJ earn a median of $178,855 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.76% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $176,386.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Franklin has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Franklin, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $178,855 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $155,256 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$144,829
2025 BLS Actual
$174,374
2026 Current Est.
$178,855
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $144,829 | Actual |
| 2020 | $153,578 | Actual |
| 2021 | $152,789 | Actual |
| 2022 | $155,733 | Actual |
| 2023 | $161,774 | Actual |
| 2024 | $172,849 | Actual |
| 2025 | $174,374 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $178,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $183,452 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Franklin metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $144,829 (2019) to $174,374 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $183,452 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,623 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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) | $103,736 – $128,776 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $128,776 – $178,855 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $178,855 – $228,536 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $228,536 – $255,455 |
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 Franklin
The local job market reflects a stable workforce, employing 15 air traffic controllers in total. One significant factor affecting take-home pay is the higher cost of living in Franklin, indicated by a cost-of-living index of 115.2. To maximize their earning potential, controllers should consider opportunities at FAA en route centers, which generally offer the highest pay, influenced by facility levels, CPC certification status, and various shift differentials. Shift differentials can add 10% for nights, 25% for Sundays, or even 100% for holidays, further impacting a controller's total compensation. Shift work, combined with the option for overtime—often mandatory due to chronic staffing shortages—creates a dynamic compensation landscape. For controllers in Franklin, understanding these dynamics can greatly influence their take-home pay, especially in the face of potential retirements at age 56 and ongoing recruitment efforts by the FAA.
More salary data for Franklin, 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 $174,374 for air traffic controllersin the Franklin 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 Franklin 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