Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hanover, NH: $76.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hanover, NH runs $76.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,620 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hanover's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,173 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hanover, New Hampshire, the hourly pay for air traffic controllers is projected to reach $76.26 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This attractive pay level is especially relevant for part-time or per-diem air traffic controllers, who may work limited schedules at en route centers, terminal radar facilities, or airport towers. With the flexibility of working three days a week, an air traffic controller can earn a substantial income, influenced by their skill set and experience. The hourly wage ranges from $44.23 at the entry-level to $101.62 for top earners in the region, reflecting the critical responsibilities these professionals hold in managing air traffic efficiently in various environments across Hanover.
About the Hanover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.23 | $353.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.54 | $460.33 |
| Median (P50) | $76.26 | $610.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.94 | $751.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.62 | $812.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hanover
Based on $76.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.26/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hanover, NH can expect to earn approximately $158,622 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,513. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hanover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hanover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,050.43 | $13,219 | $158,622 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,830.26 | $7,931 | $95,173 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,220.17 | $5,287 | $63,449 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hanover) | $76.26 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Hanover, NH earn a median of $158,620 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.43% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.20% below the New Hampshire state average of $165,575.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.26/hr = $95,173/year (purchasing power: $88,698).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,622/year (purchasing power: $147,831).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hanover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hanover grew 20.4% from $61.75/hr (2019) to $74.35/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.22/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hanover 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Hanover
Examining the part-time earning potential for an air traffic controller in Hanover reveals that those working a standard three-day week (24 hours total) can take home a more modest annual income than their full-time counterparts, which typically translates to about $94,663 per year. This is a significant consideration for many in the profession, especially as per-diem rates can vary. Many controllers often find themselves working overtime, sometimes totaling 50 to 60 hours per week, which can lead to annual earnings exceeding $50,000 to $100,000 in additional compensation due to the higher pay rate of 1.5x for overtime hours. In Hanover, the hourly rates may differ depending on the type of employer; federal roles through the FAA often provide job security and benefits, whereas contract positions may offer a higher pay rate but less comprehensive health coverage. Negotiating for hours at the FAA can involve a careful assessment of shifts and responsibilities to align with personal financial needs, particularly considering the age 56 mandatory retirement age within this high-demand field.
More salary data for Hanover, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Hanover. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hanover 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