Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Portsmouth, NH: $92,188 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Portsmouth, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,188 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Portsmouth's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,916 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($158,945) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those starting out in the air traffic control field in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, expectations for entry-level pay in 2026 are promising, with a starting air traffic controller salary around $92,188. This amount is considerably less than the city’s median salary of $158,945, reflecting the typical pay scale progression many will experience over the first few years of their careers. Newer graduates can aim to elevate their earnings with progressive experience, moving toward the $114,440 mark within a few years—the first significant milestone in their pay trajectory. Given the current market conditions in Portsmouth, aspiring air traffic controllers will find opportunities to advance quickly, making this an attractive location for those launching their careers in this crucial aviation field.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Portsmouth, NH typically start between $92,188 and $114,440 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,132 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $158,945 — 4.65% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in New Hampshire of $48,000 represents just 52.07% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($92,188/year) in Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth
- 1Research the Portsmouth market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $92,188 to $114,440, 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 Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Portsmouth'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 Portsmouth is $120,132 ( 130.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,188, experienced hygienists can earn up to $212,320.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$78,314
2025 BLS Actual
$89,878
2026 Current Est.
$92,188
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,314 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,391 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,382 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,342 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,322 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,614 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,878 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,188 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,557 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Portsmouth, NH grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $78,314 in 2019 to $89,878 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $94,557. New graduates entering the Portsmouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
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In Portsmouth, the FAA is the primary employer of new air traffic controllers, often hiring through specific pathways designed for candidates fresh out of training. These include the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships with designated universities and off-the-street recruitment, with a well-defined age limit for applicants which ensures a youthful workforce. Credentials such as U.S. citizenship, a required passing score on the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and completion of training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City set a solid foundation for any new grad. After initial training, continued development leads to full certification as a controller, which may take up to three years. Given the ongoing staffing challenges in the sector, controllers who secure positions can look forward to competitive offers, especially as they progress into roles at top-tier facilities. In their first three years, controllers can expect increases in their salaries and responsibilities, while also looking ahead towards eventual higher pay brackets as their experiences deepen and they navigate the requirements of federal employment within the FAA framework.
More salary data for Portsmouth, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Portsmouth in 2026?
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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 Portsmouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Portsmouth 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