Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Bergen, NJ: $171,086 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in North Bergen, NJ earns a median $171,086/year (≈ $82.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in North Bergen's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $148,512 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in North Bergen, NJ, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $171,086, which reflects a competitive edge over the national average of $151,886. Salaries in this region show a broad range, from $99,229 at the lower end (P10) to a remarkable $246,247 for the highest earners (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, take into account the pressures of high workloads and understaffed facilities, which often drive controllers to work additional overtime. This overtime work not only increases total annual income potential but also reflects the realities of a job that demands accountability and precision, especially in a bustling area's airspace.
About the North Bergen Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,229 | $47.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $123,181 | $59.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $171,086 | $82.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $218,990 | $105.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $246,247 | $118.39 |
Median Salary Position
12.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Bergen
In North Bergen, NJ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $147,018 (2026 est.). At $171,086, the local median is 12.64% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Bergen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Bergen Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
North Bergen median: $171,086/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Bergen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $176,377 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +12.64% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in North Bergen, NJ earn a median of $171,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.64% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.00% below the New Jersey state average of $176,377.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Bergen has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Bergen, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $171,086 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,512 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$138,537
2025 BLS Actual
$166,799
2026 Current Est.
$171,086
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Bergen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,537 | Actual |
| 2020 | $146,907 | Actual |
| 2021 | $146,152 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,968 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,746 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,341 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,799 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $171,086 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $175,483 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Bergen metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $138,537 (2019) to $166,799 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $175,483 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,946 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Bergen 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) | $99,229 – $123,181 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $123,181 – $171,086 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $171,086 – $218,990 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $218,990 – $246,247 |
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 North Bergen
With only 13 air traffic controllers employed in North Bergen, this small workforce operates within a cost-of-living index of 115.2, indicating higher living expenses than the national average. Employers like the FAA are key players in the local job market, offering some of the most substantial compensation packages through their en route centers and terminal facilities. Factors driving salary differences include the type of facility—higher-paying en route facilities can expect to pay more than tower operations—along with compensation elements such as CPC certification status and shift differentials. Controllers who maximize their earning potential focus on obtaining their CPC certification, strategically select facilities that align with their desired pay tier, and take advantage of abundant overtime opportunities. Understanding the nuances of air traffic controller pay in North Bergen ensures that professionals can thrive in this demanding yet rewarding career.
More salary data for North Bergen, 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 $166,799 for air traffic controllersin the North Bergen 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 North Bergen 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