Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lakewood, NJ: $175,042 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Lakewood, NJ earns a median $175,042/year (≈ $84.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $151,946 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Lakewood, New Jersey, earn a median annual salary of $175,042, which surpasses the national median by approximately 15.25%. The salary range for this position stretches from $101,524 at the 10th percentile to $264,950 at the 90th percentile, indicating both the opportunity for high earnings and the entry-level pay for new controllers. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, adjusted for local cost of living dynamics. As Lakewood's job market reflects a concentration of 31 air traffic controllers, the demand for skilled personnel remains robust, creating favorable conditions for prospective and current controllers.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,524 | $48.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $126,030 | $60.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $175,042 | $84.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $224,054 | $107.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $264,950 | $127.38 |
Median Salary Position
15.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, NJ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $163,426 (2026 est.). At $175,042, the local median is 15.25% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $175,042/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $176,453 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +15.25% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $175,042 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.25% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $176,453.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $175,042 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,946 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$141,741
2025 BLS Actual
$170,656
2026 Current Est.
$175,042
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $141,741 | Actual |
| 2020 | $150,304 | Actual |
| 2021 | $149,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,413 | Actual |
| 2023 | $158,325 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,163 | Actual |
| 2025 | $170,656 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $175,042 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $179,540 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $141,741 (2019) to $170,656 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $179,540 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,799 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $101,524 – $126,030 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $126,030 – $175,042 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $175,042 – $224,054 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $224,054 – $264,950 |
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 Lakewood
The local air traffic controller pay in Lakewood NJ aligns with the broader economic conditions influenced by a cost of living index of 115.2. This practical factor means that while salaries are strong, the purchasing power is somewhat moderated compared to lower-cost regions. Among employers, FAA en route centers generally offer the greatest compensation due to their complexity and responsibility for high-altitude traffic. The spread in salaries results from several factors, including the type of facility, length of service, and additional pay for overtime and specific shifts. For those looking to maximize earnings here, it's beneficial to pursue CPC certification as soon as possible and be flexible with shift work, as both can significantly boost the overall income potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $170,656 for air traffic controllersin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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