Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Brick, NJ: $258,278 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Brick, NJ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $258,278/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Brick's price premium (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $224,200 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced air traffic controllers in Brick, NJ can anticipate a substantial salary range, with top earners reaching upwards of $258,278 per year, while the 75th percentile pockets around $227,414. This potential eclipses the national comparison where the highest earners make approximately $151,886, highlighting Brick's competitive edge in attracting seasoned professionals. The significant gap between the median annual salary of $177,668 and the upper tier pay illustrates the premium that comes with extensive experience and specialized skills in air traffic control. To ascend to these elite pay levels in Brick, controllers must master intricate communication skills and develop advanced operational knowledge, often through years of dedicated on-the-job training and additional certifications.
About the Brick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brick
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Brick earn between $227,414 and $258,278 per year (2026 est.). This $155,231 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brick median of $177,668 sits 16.97% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Brick | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $177,668 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $227,414 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $258,278 | $221,151 |
In Brick, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 45.37% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Brick
Advanced Certifications in New Jersey
NJ air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $177,668 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brick employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Brick command premium compensation, often reaching the $227,414–$258,278 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brick metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Brick with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in New Jersey who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Brick
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrick ranks #16 of 61 New Jersey cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $258,278).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Brick ($258,278) is 0.49% above the New Jersey average P90 ($257,020).
2019 BLS Actual
$205,921
2025 BLS Actual
$251,807
2026 Current Est.
$258,278
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Brick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $205,921 | Actual |
| 2020 | $215,801 | Actual |
| 2021 | $217,214 | Actual |
| 2022 | $221,664 | Actual |
| 2023 | $234,733 | Actual |
| 2024 | $249,481 | Actual |
| 2025 | $251,807 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $258,278 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $264,916 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Brick saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $205,921 in 2019 to $251,807 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $264,916 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brick 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Brick
Specialization plays a vital role in determining senior air traffic controller compensation in Brick. Controllers working in high-demand areas—such as en route/radar and terminal radar (TRACON)—command the most lucrative salaries, often due to the complexities involved in managing significant air traffic. Additionally, those who transition to leadership positions or specialized roles like traffic management coordinator (TMC) or ATC instructors at the FAA Academy can see increased income potential. The employer type also influences pay, with the FAA’s en route centers and military ATC generally offering higher salaries than smaller FAA contract towers or civilian positions. Advancing within the FAA system, from developmental controller to operations supervisor or ATC manager, not only enhances earning capacity but also opens doors to lucrative locality pay in higher-cost living areas. As the demand for air traffic controllers remains robust, strategies to enhance qualifications and pursue leadership roles can significantly impact senior air traffic controller pay in NJ.
More salary data for Brick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Brick in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Brick?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Brick?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Brick?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Brick?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $251,807 for air traffic controllers in the Brick metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brick 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