Air Traffic Controller Salary in Trenton, NJ: $173,461 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Trenton, NJ earns a median $173,461/year (≈ $83.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Trenton's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $150,574 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Trenton, New Jersey, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $173,461 in 2026, which is a notable 14.20% increase compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary range for these professionals is substantial, spanning from $100,608 at the 10th percentile to as much as $261,156 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments, reflecting the varying pay scales based on the tier of the facility where controllers are employed. With a mix of en route, terminal, and tower facilities, the local job market offers a diverse set of challenges and pay structures, making the potential for salary growth significant for those aspiring to work in air traffic control.
About the Trenton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,608 | $48.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $125,391 | $60.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $173,461 | $83.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $218,746 | $105.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $261,156 | $125.56 |
Median Salary Position
14.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Trenton
In Trenton, NJ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $160,548 (2026 est.). At $173,461, the local median is 14.2% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Trenton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Trenton Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Trenton median: $173,461/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Trenton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $176,461 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +14.20% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Trenton, NJ earn a median of $173,461 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.20% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.70% below the New Jersey state average of $176,461.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Trenton has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Trenton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $173,461 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,574 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$140,461
2025 BLS Actual
$169,115
2026 Current Est.
$173,461
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,461 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,946 | Actual |
| 2021 | $148,181 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,036 | Actual |
| 2023 | $156,895 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,637 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,115 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,461 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,919 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Trenton metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $140,461 (2019) to $169,115 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $177,919 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,458 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Trenton 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) | $100,608 – $125,391 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $125,391 – $173,461 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $173,461 – $218,746 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $218,746 – $261,156 |
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 Trenton
Currently, Trenton employs 21 air traffic controllers, a workforce that may feel the pressure of a cost-of-living index at 115.2, which can impact overall purchasing power. While local FAA facilities may have different pay scales, the highest compensation typically comes from en route centers that handle high-altitude traffic, which tend to offer better benefits including locality pay and overtime opportunities. Controllers at terminals and towers generally earn less, making it essential for incoming professionals to target the right facility for maximum pay. Strategies to enhance air traffic controller pay in Trenton include seeking additional certifications, aiming for shift differentials—such as working nights and weekends—and understanding the impact of overtime, which remains prevalent due to staffing challenges. With mandatory retirement looming at age 56, the market remains dynamic and competitive for potential air traffic controllers looking to establish their career in Trenton, NJ.
More salary data for Trenton, 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 $169,115 for air traffic controllersin the Trenton 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 Trenton 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