Air Traffic Controller Salary in Howell, NJ: $176,508 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Howell, NJ earns a median $176,508/year (≈ $84.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Howell's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $153,219 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Howell, New Jersey, air traffic controllers can expect a 2026 median annual salary of $176,508, significantly above the national median of $151,886. This robust compensation reflects the typical 50 to 60-hour work weeks that many controllers put in, especially in understaffed facilities. The salary range for this occupation in Howell spans from $102,374 at the 10th percentile to $265,008 at the 90th percentile, indicating a wide disparity that is influenced by factors such as experience, certification status, and the specific type of facility. With local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, these figures offer a clear picture of the competitive pay landscape for air traffic controller positions in Howell, underscoring how the local market often favors experienced personnel who can handle increased workloads and responsibilities.
About the Howell Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,374 | $49.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,085 | $61.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $176,508 | $84.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $222,690 | $107.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $265,008 | $127.41 |
Median Salary Position
16.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Howell
In Howell, NJ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $162,634 (2026 est.). At $176,508, the local median is 16.21% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Howell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Howell Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Howell median: $176,508/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Howell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $151,886 | +16.21% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Howell, NJ earn a median of $176,508 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.21% higher than the national median of $151,886.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Howell has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Howell, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $176,508 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,219 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$142,928
2025 BLS Actual
$172,085
2026 Current Est.
$176,508
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Howell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,928 | Actual |
| 2020 | $151,562 | Actual |
| 2021 | $150,784 | Actual |
| 2022 | $153,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $170,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $172,085 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $176,508 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $181,044 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Howell metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $142,928 (2019) to $172,085 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $181,044 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,116 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Howell 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) | $102,374 – $127,085 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,085 – $176,508 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $176,508 – $222,690 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $222,690 – $265,008 |
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 Howell
Looking at the broader job market, there are currently 11 air traffic controllers employed in Howell, where the cost of living index sits at a relatively high 115.2. This higher index means that while salaries may appear attractive, purchasing power is crucial for potential controllers considering relocation or job opportunities. Core employers in the area include FAA en route centers, airport traffic control towers, and TRACON facilities. Each type of employer pays differently, with en route centers typically offering higher compensation due to the complexity of the airspace managed. The variation in pay is also affected by factors such as facility tier level, CPC certification status, and mandatory overtime, which remains prevalent due to ongoing staffing shortages. For those aiming to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Howell, understanding these dynamics—such as seeking full certification, working at higher-tier facilities, and being open to overtime—can greatly influence overall earning potential.
More salary data for Howell, 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 $172,085 for air traffic controllersin the Howell 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 Howell 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