Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Keene, NH: $92,050 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Keene, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,050 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Keene's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,788 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($158,708) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of air traffic control in Keene, New Hampshire can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $92,050, which is significantly lower than the overall median annual salary of $158,708 for experienced controllers in the city. This gap indicates a common trajectory for new hires, who can expect their earnings to grow to around $114,269 after gaining some experience. Prospective air traffic controllers in Keene face a solid opportunity, as this entry-level salary reflects a competitive position in the market, offering a pathway toward substantial financial growth within their first three to five years. The projected increase, with anticipated annual growth of 2.57%, signals that Keene remains an attractive area for those beginning their careers in air traffic control.
About the Keene Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Keene
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 Keene
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Keene, NH typically start between $92,050 and $114,269 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $125,420 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $158,708 — 4.49% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in New Hampshire of $48,000 represents just 52.15% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($92,050/year) in Keene. 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 Keene
- 1Research the Keene market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $92,050 to $114,269, 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 Keene, 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 Keene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Keene'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 Keene is $125,420 ( 136.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,050, experienced hygienists can earn up to $217,470.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$78,197
2025 BLS Actual
$89,744
2026 Current Est.
$92,050
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Keene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,197 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,267 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,217 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,192 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,494 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,744 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,050 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,416 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Keene, NH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $78,197 in 2019 to $89,744 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $94,416. New graduates entering the Keene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keene 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 Keene
In Keene, potential employers primarily include the FAA, which recruits new air traffic controllers through off-the-street hiring announcements and partnerships with select universities under the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). To be eligible for hiring, applicants must be under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans. A bachelor's degree or three years of progressive work experience is required along with passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. The journey continues with facility-specific training, which can take up to three years to fully certify as a control facility’s Certified Professional Controller (CPC). With mandatory retirement at age 56 and chronic understaffing issues prompting overtime opportunities, entry-level controllers in this profession might realistically expect salary growth that aligns with further federal pay scales and experience, positioning them well for future roles and advanced pay brackets as they progress in this challenging field.
More salary data for Keene, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Keene in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Keene?
Is aviation school worth it in Keene?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Keene?
How do I become a air traffic controller in New Hampshire?
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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 Keene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Keene 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