Air Traffic Controller Salary in West New York, NJ: $175,558 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in West New York, NJ earns a median $175,558/year (≈ $84.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in West New York's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $152,394 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West New York, New Jersey, the air traffic controller salary is robust, with a projected median annual income of $175,558 for 2026. This figure significantly surpasses the national median of $151,886, highlighting the region's competitive compensation rates. Salaries in West New York range from $101,823 at the 10th percentile to $250,520 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying levels of experience and responsibility across different facility types. Positions may include those working in en route centers, terminal radar approach control, and airport traffic control towers — each tier offering distinct pay implications based on the complexity and demands of their roles. Estimates for this market are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, making the air traffic controller pay in West New York one of the more appealing options for professionals in the field.
About the West New York Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,823 | $48.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $126,401 | $60.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $175,558 | $84.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $224,053 | $107.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $250,520 | $120.44 |
Median Salary Position
15.59% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West New York
In West New York, NJ, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $148,697 (2026 est.). At $175,558, the local median is 15.59% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West New York: You'd be above the median
How West New York Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
West New York median: $175,558/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West New York Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $176,440 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +15.59% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in West New York, NJ earn a median of $175,558 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.59% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.50% below the New Jersey state average of $176,440.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West New York has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West New York, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $175,558 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,394 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$142,159
2025 BLS Actual
$171,159
2026 Current Est.
$175,558
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in West New York (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,159 | Actual |
| 2020 | $150,747 | Actual |
| 2021 | $149,972 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,862 | Actual |
| 2023 | $158,791 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,662 | Actual |
| 2025 | $171,159 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $175,558 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,070 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West New York metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $142,159 (2019) to $171,159 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $180,070 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,911 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West New York 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) | $101,823 – $126,401 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $126,401 – $175,558 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $175,558 – $224,053 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $224,053 – $250,520 |
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 West New York
As the local job market shows, only 10 air traffic controllers are employed in West New York, which translates to a competitive environment. The cost-of-living index stands at 115.2, indicating that while salaries are high, the expenses typical of the area can impact take-home purchasing power. Among potential employers, the FAA's en route centers generally offer the highest pay, benefiting from the increased complexity of operations they manage. The disparity in pay within this market is influenced by facility tier levels, CPC certification statuses, and various bonuses for night shifts or holidays, coupled with significant overtime opportunities due to chronic understaffing. For those seeking to maximize compensation, focusing on advancement to higher-tier facilities, obtaining additional certifications, and being available for overtime could prove advantageous in enhancing overall earnings in this vibrant New Jersey market.
More salary data for West New York, 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 $171,159 for air traffic controllersin the West New York 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 West New York 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