Air Traffic Controller Salary

Concord vs Keene: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between Concord, NH and Keene, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Concord, NH
$157,847
$75.89/hr
Keene, NH
$158,708
$76.30/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricConcord, NHKeene, NH
Median Salary$157,847$158,708
Hourly Rate$75.89$76.30
Entry Level (P10)$91,551$92,050
25th Percentile$113,778$114,269
75th Percentile$202,044$198,860
Top Earner (P90)$227,211$217,470
Total Employed115
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Concord ($157,847) and Keene ($158,708) air traffic controller salaries.ConcordKeeneMedian Salary$157,847$158,708Entry Level (P10)$91,551$92,050Top Earner (P90)$227,211$217,470US Median $151,886

Verdict

Concord and Keene are closely matched on overall air traffic controller compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Concord and Keene is $861 (0.55%). Keene's median is +4.49% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Concord spans $135,660,Keene spans $125,420. Concord has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Concord
P10 (Entry)$91,551
P25$113,778
Median$157,847
P75$202,044
P90 (Top)$227,211
Keene
P10 (Entry)$92,050
P25$114,269
Median$158,708
P75$198,860
P90 (Top)$217,470

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Keene ($147,911 effective) pays 0.55% more than Concord ($147,108 effective).

Concord
Nominal: $157,847
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $147,108
Keene
Nominal: $158,708
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $147,911

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Concord if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($227,211)
  • Larger job market (11 employed)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Keene if…

  • Higher median salary ($158,708/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,911)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Concord grew 11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.5% growth in Keene over the same period.

Concord, NH

+11.5%

$138,031 (2024) → $153,892 (2025)

Keene, NH

+11.5%

$138,783 (2024) → $154,731 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Concord or Keene?

Keene has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $158,708/year, compared to Concord at $157,847/year — a difference of $861 (0.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Concord and Keene?

Concord air traffic controllers earn $75.89/hr while Keene hygienists earn $76.30/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Concord to Keene as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Concord and Keene. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Concord = $147,108, Keene = $147,911), job availability (11 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Concord vs Keene?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $91,551 in Concord and $92,050 in Keene. The Keene area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov