Air Traffic Controller Salary

Londonderry vs Nashua: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

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

Londonderry, NH
$159,467
$76.67/hr
Nashua, NH
$165,155
$79.40/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLondonderry, NHNashua, NH
Median Salary$159,467$165,155
Hourly Rate$76.67$79.40
Entry Level (P10)$92,490$95,790
25th Percentile$114,816$118,911
75th Percentile$203,909$211,284
Top Earner (P90)$227,018$236,310
Total Employed621
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Londonderry ($159,467) and Nashua ($165,155) air traffic controller salaries.LondonderryNashuaMedian Salary$159,467$165,155Entry Level (P10)$92,490$95,790Top Earner (P90)$227,018$236,310US Median $151,886

Verdict

Nashua, NH offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Londonderry.

The salary gap between Londonderry and Nashua is $5,688 (3.57%). Nashua's median is +8.74% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Londonderry spans $134,528,Nashua spans $140,520. Nashua has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.

Londonderry
P10 (Entry)$92,490
P25$114,816
Median$159,467
P75$203,909
P90 (Top)$227,018
Nashua
P10 (Entry)$95,790
P25$118,911
Median$165,155
P75$211,284
P90 (Top)$236,310

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashua ($153,919 effective) pays 3.57% more than Londonderry ($148,618 effective).

Londonderry
Nominal: $159,467
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $148,618
Nashua
Nominal: $165,155
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $153,919

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Londonderry if…

  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Nashua if…

  • Higher median salary ($165,155/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($236,310)
  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,919)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

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

Londonderry, NH

+11.5%

$139,447 (2024) → $155,471 (2025)

Nashua, NH

+11.5%

$144,422 (2024) → $161,017 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Londonderry or Nashua?

Nashua has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $165,155/year, compared to Londonderry at $159,467/year — a difference of $5,688 (3.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Londonderry and Nashua?

Londonderry air traffic controllers earn $76.67/hr while Nashua hygienists earn $79.40/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Londonderry to Nashua as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Londonderry and Nashua. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Londonderry = $148,618, Nashua = $153,919), job availability (6 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Londonderry vs Nashua?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $92,490 in Londonderry and $95,790 in Nashua. The Nashua 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