Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lebanon, NH: $92,397 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Lebanon, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,397 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lebanon's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,111 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($159,306) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a starting air traffic controller salary in Lebanon, NH projected at $92,397 in 2026, new graduates in this field have a clear understanding of the initial financial expectations they can face. This entry-level pay, while lower than the city's median annual salary of $159,306, offers a solid foundation with a growth trajectory that can lead to increased earnings quickly. Over the first few years, entry-level controllers can anticipate moving up to the 25th percentile salary of $114,700 as they gain experience and skills. Given the ongoing demand for air traffic controllers and the city's relatively stable job market, Lebanon presents a promising environment for recent graduates looking to start their careers.
About the Lebanon Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lebanon
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 Lebanon
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Lebanon, NH typically start between $92,397 and $114,700 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $121,579 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $159,306 — 4.89% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in New Hampshire of $48,000 represents just 51.95% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($92,397/year) in Lebanon. 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 Lebanon
- 1Research the Lebanon market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $92,397 to $114,700, 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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lebanon'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 Lebanon is $121,579 ( 131.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,397, experienced hygienists can earn up to $213,976.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$78,491
2025 BLS Actual
$90,082
2026 Current Est.
$92,397
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,491 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,569 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,534 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,797 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,082 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,397 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,772 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Lebanon, NH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $78,491 in 2019 to $90,082 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $94,772. New graduates entering the Lebanon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lebanon 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 Lebanon
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Employers in Lebanon primarily seeking new graduates include the FAA, which routinely recruits through public bid windows for entry-level positions. Typically, applicants must be under age 31 unless they are veterans, making age a crucial factor to consider for new entrants into the field. Relevant education includes a bachelor’s degree or a combination of three years of progressive work experience, in addition to clearing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, a critical step for all controllers, can take 3-5 months followed by facility-specific training lasting anywhere from 1-3 years to achieve full certification as a Control Tower Operator (CPC). As controllers are on the FG pay scale, their pay can rise significantly, particularly in prestigious en route facilities, with earnings potentially exceeding $200,000 with overtime pay. Realistic salary growth expectations in the early years are promising, with many new controllers witnessing substantial increases as they adapt to the demands of the role and the pitfalls of chronic understaffing in the sector.
More salary data for Lebanon, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Lebanon in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Lebanon?
Is aviation school worth it in Lebanon?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Lebanon?
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 Lebanon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lebanon 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