Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hamilton, NJ: $171,478 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Hamilton, NJ earns a median $171,478/year (≈ $82.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Hamilton's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $148,852 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Hamilton, NJ is projected to reach a median annual figure of $171,478, notably surpassing the national median of $151,886 by 12.90%. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with the lower end at $99,457 (P10) and the upper end at $247,552 (P90), reflecting the distinct tiers within the air traffic control field, including en route, terminal, and tower facilities. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and BEA Regional Price Parities, accounting for local economic conditions. Hamilton's market positions itself strongly, particularly for positions at higher tiers which typically command better compensation, indicative of the challenges and expectations surrounding air traffic management in this region.
About the Hamilton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,457 | $47.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $123,464 | $59.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $171,478 | $82.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $219,492 | $105.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $247,552 | $119.01 |
Median Salary Position
12.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hamilton
In Hamilton, NJ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $148,095 (2026 est.). At $171,478, the local median is 12.9% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hamilton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hamilton Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Hamilton median: $171,478/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hamilton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $176,417 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +12.90% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Hamilton, NJ earn a median of $171,478 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.90% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.80% below the New Jersey state average of $176,417.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hamilton has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hamilton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $171,478 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,852 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$138,855
2025 BLS Actual
$167,181
2026 Current Est.
$171,478
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hamilton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,855 | Actual |
| 2020 | $147,243 | Actual |
| 2021 | $146,487 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,309 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,101 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,719 | Actual |
| 2025 | $167,181 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $171,478 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $175,885 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hamilton metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $138,855 (2019) to $167,181 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $175,885 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,030 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hamilton 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) | $99,457 – $123,464 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $123,464 – $171,478 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $171,478 – $219,492 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $219,492 – $247,552 |
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 Hamilton
The local job market in Hamilton supports a select workforce of 21 air traffic controllers, a number indicative of the competitive nature of this profession in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, living expenses are higher than the national average, which can impact take-home pay and overall financial well-being for controllers in the region. Employers such as FAA en route centers and terminal TRACONs are generally the highest payers, while contract towers may offer more modest compensation. The wide disparity in salaries can be attributed to various factors, including facility level—where en route positions are typically rewarded more due to their complexity—and additional pay incentives such as overtime and shift differentials. To enhance compensation, controllers in Hamilton should consider pursuing CPC certification to move beyond developmental pay, remain open to mandatory overtime, and strategically explore opportunities across differing facility types to maximize their earnings and career growth.
More salary data for Hamilton, 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 $167,181 for air traffic controllersin the Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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