Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Dover, NH: $93,821 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Dover, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,821 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dover's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,438 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($160,173) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the field of air traffic control in Dover, NH can expect a starting air traffic controller salary around $93,821. This initial figure reflects a significant gap when compared to the projected median annual salary of $160,173 for the city. As new controllers progress in their careers over the first few years, they have the potential to see their earnings rise significantly, with expected salaries at the 25th percentile reaching $118,281. This clear growth trajectory makes Dover an appealing market for fresh graduates looking to launch their careers in air traffic control. The opportunity for advancement, combined with local salaries that slightly outpace the national average of $151,886, suggests that newly minted air traffic controllers in Dover can find both competitive pay and solid growth potential.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dover
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dover
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Dover, NH typically start between $93,821 and $118,281 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $125,303 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $160,173 — 5.46% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in New Hampshire of $48,000 represents just 51.16% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($93,821/year) in Dover. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Dover
- 1Research the Dover market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $93,821 to $118,281, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dover, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Dover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dover's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Dover is $125,303 ( 133.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,821, experienced hygienists can earn up to $219,124.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$79,701
2025 BLS Actual
$91,470
2026 Current Est.
$93,821
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,701 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,868 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,842 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,836 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,869 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,566 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,821 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,232 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Dover, NH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $79,701 in 2019 to $91,470 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $96,232. New graduates entering the Dover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dover 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Dover
Employers in Dover that actively hire recent graduates include the FAA, which conducts hiring through various channels such as public bid announcements for 'off-the-street' candidates and partnerships with institutions in its Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Aspiring controllers should be aware of the requirements, including U.S. citizenship, a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). The career development path typically requires initial training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, followed by facility-specific training that can last up to three years. For precision-oriented new controllers, understanding the federal FG pay scale is vital, as it can lead to higher-level positions and substantial pay increases after mandatory retirement at age 56. Given the ongoing staffing shortages in the sector post-2013, diligent novices may find themselves in a strong position to earn significant overtime and benefits, enhancing their overall earning potential beyond their starting pay over the initial years.
More salary data for Dover, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Dover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dover 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