Transportation & Logistics Elizabeth, NJ Pop. 137,298

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The median air traffic controller salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $148,370 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 6.1% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$148,370
vs State Avg
$-9,617
vs National
+$10,990
Cost of Living
108%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Elizabeth: What to Expect (2026)

Elizabeth offers a median air traffic controller salary of $148,370, which is $9,617 below the New Jersey state average of $157,987. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Elizabeth pays above average for this role.

Elizabeth's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Elizabeth spans from $88,560 at the 10th percentile to $213,840 at the 90th percentile — a $125,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $91,800, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $205,200. With a population of 137,298, Elizabeth is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Elizabeth by Experience

In Elizabeth, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $91,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $205,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,800
+$6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$151,200
+$11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$205,200
+$15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Elizabeth, NJ

Percentile Elizabeth
10th Percentile $88,560
25th Percentile $116,640
Median (50th) $148,370
75th Percentile $189,000
90th Percentile $213,840

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$175,846
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$157,987
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$153,866
Pop. 311,549
Paterson, NJ
$144,249
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Elizabeth

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Elizabeth and the surrounding New Jersey area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Elizabeth may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Elizabeth

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Elizabeth, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Elizabeth

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey is $148,370 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $88,560 (10th percentile) to $213,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Elizabeth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $148,370, a air traffic controller in Elizabeth earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Elizabeth compare to the New Jersey state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Elizabeth's median air traffic controller salary of $148,370 is 6.1% below the New Jersey state average of $157,987. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $148,370 in Elizabeth has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Elizabeth? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Elizabeth require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.