Air Traffic Controller Salary in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ: $178,548 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ earns a median $178,548/year (≈ $85.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Parsippany-Troy Hills's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $154,990 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey, the 2026 projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers is $178,548, reflecting a robust compensation package motivated by the region's demand for skilled professionals in this field. The local salary range varies widely, with projections showing figures from $103,558 at the 10th percentile to $254,844 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences, indicate not only the significant earning potential in this role but also the competitive environment in which air traffic controllers operate. Given the city's proximity to major transportation hubs and the FAA's operating centers, job opportunities remain promising for those trained to navigate this critical sector of the aviation industry.
About the Parsippany-Troy Hills Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,558 | $49.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $128,554 | $61.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $178,548 | $85.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $227,492 | $109.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $254,844 | $122.52 |
Median Salary Position
17.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Parsippany-Troy Hills
In Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $151,286 (2026 est.). At $178,548, the local median is 17.55% above the national median of $151,886.
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How Parsippany-Troy Hills Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Parsippany-Troy Hills median: $178,548/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Parsippany-Troy Hills Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $176,431 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +17.55% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ earn a median of $178,548 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.55% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% above the New Jersey state average of $176,431.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Parsippany-Troy Hills has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $178,548 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $154,990 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$144,580
2025 BLS Actual
$174,074
2026 Current Est.
$178,548
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Parsippany-Troy Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $144,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $153,314 | Actual |
| 2021 | $152,526 | Actual |
| 2022 | $155,465 | Actual |
| 2023 | $161,496 | Actual |
| 2024 | $172,552 | Actual |
| 2025 | $174,074 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $178,548 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $183,136 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Parsippany-Troy Hills metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $144,580 (2019) to $174,074 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $183,136 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,556 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Parsippany-Troy Hills 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) | $103,558 – $128,554 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $128,554 – $178,548 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $178,548 – $227,492 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $227,492 – $254,844 |
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 Parsippany-Troy Hills
With only eight air traffic controllers currently employed in Parsippany-Troy Hills, the local job market remains selective yet potentially lucrative. The area's cost-of-living index of 115.2 suggests that while salaries are above average, the affordability of living must be carefully considered when assessing take-home pay. Key employers in this region include FAA en route centers, which typically offer the highest salaries, attracting talent with promising pay structures based on various tiers. Factors contributing to the salary range include the facility level, CPC certification status, and shift differentials. Strategies for maximizing compensation may involve pursuing higher-tier positions such as en route centers or actively seeking out overtime opportunities, particularly given the chronic staffing shortages reported since 2013. Understanding these dynamics will be essential for individuals looking to maximize air traffic controller pay in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ.
More salary data for Parsippany-Troy Hills, 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 $174,074 for air traffic controllersin the Parsippany-Troy Hills 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 Parsippany-Troy Hills 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