Transportation & Logistics Jersey City, NJ Pop. 292,449

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey

The median air traffic controller salary in Jersey City, NJ is $175,846 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 11.3% above the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$175,846
vs State Avg
+$17,859
vs National
+$38,466
Cost of Living
128%

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

Jersey City offers a median air traffic controller salary of $175,846, which is $17,859 above the New Jersey state average of $157,987. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Jersey City pays above average for this role.

However, Jersey City's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $175,846 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Jersey City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Jersey City spans from $104,960 at the 10th percentile to $253,440 at the 90th percentile — a $148,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $108,800, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $243,200. With a population of 292,449, Jersey City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jersey City by Experience

In Jersey City, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $108,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $243,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$108,800
+$23,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$179,200
+$39,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$243,200
+$53,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jersey City, NJ

Percentile Jersey City
10th Percentile $104,960
25th Percentile $138,240
Median (50th) $175,846
75th Percentile $224,000
90th Percentile $253,440

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Jersey City

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Jersey City 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 Jersey City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Jersey City

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Jersey City, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Jersey City

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Jersey City, New Jersey is $175,846 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $104,960 (10th percentile) to $253,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Jersey City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $175,846, a air traffic controller in Jersey City earns approximately $85 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Jersey City's median air traffic controller salary of $175,846 is 11.3% above the New Jersey state average of $157,987. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
Jersey City has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $175,846 in Jersey City 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 Jersey City? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Jersey City 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.