Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Londonderry, NH: $92,490 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Londonderry, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,490 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Londonderry's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,198 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($159,467) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the air traffic controller profession in Londonderry, New Hampshire, the starting air traffic controller salary is projected to be around $92,490 in 2026. This figure represents an entry-level position and marks the beginning of a lucrative career path, as the overall median annual salary in Londonderry for air traffic controllers is projected to be $159,467, revealing a significant growth trajectory over time. As new controllers gain experience, they can expect to advance through the pay spectrum, reaching $114,816 at the 25th percentile in a few years, and ultimately aiming for the median salary within a 3-5 year period. Given the continuous demand for controllers and the areas of growth, Londonderry presents a favorable market for recent graduates eager to start their careers in air traffic control.
About the Londonderry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Londonderry
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 Londonderry
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Londonderry, NH typically start between $92,490 and $114,816 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $134,528 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $159,467 — 4.99% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in New Hampshire of $48,000 represents just 51.90% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($92,490/year) in Londonderry. 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 Londonderry
- 1Research the Londonderry market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $92,490 to $114,816, 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 Londonderry, 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 Londonderry for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Londonderry'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 Londonderry is $134,528 ( 145.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,490, experienced hygienists can earn up to $227,018.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$78,571
2025 BLS Actual
$90,173
2026 Current Est.
$92,490
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Londonderry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,571 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,665 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,653 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,609 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,879 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,173 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,490 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,867 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Londonderry, NH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $78,571 in 2019 to $90,173 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $94,867. New graduates entering the Londonderry job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Londonderry 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 Londonderry
In Londonderry, numerous pathways exist for aspiring air traffic controllers seeking to increase their competitiveness and potentially earn higher starting salaries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regularly recruits fresh talent through its off-the-street hiring announcements, which target candidates under 31, as well as through partnerships with specific universities via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). New hires are expected to complete FAA Academy training in Oklahoma City, which spans 3-5 months, followed by facility-specific training that can take an additional 1-3 years to achieve full certification. Credentials such as citizenship and educational qualifications—either a bachelor's degree or three years of progressive work experience—can enhance opportunities as well. As professionals navigate the first few years on the job, many controllers can realistically expect their salaries to climb as they transition from entry-level roles to Certified Professional Controllers (CPCs), especially in higher-tier en route facilities, which often provide additional financial incentives through shift differentials and overtime practices shaped by ongoing staffing shortages.
More salary data for Londonderry, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Londonderry in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Londonderry?
Is aviation school worth it in Londonderry?
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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 Londonderry. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Londonderry 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