Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Rochester, NH: $76.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Rochester, NH runs $76.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $159,453 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,673 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rochester, New Hampshire, the projected air traffic controller hourly pay in 2026 is $76.66, which surpasses the national hourly median of $73.02 by nearly 5%. This competitive rate is particularly favorable for local air traffic controllers considering part-time options, such as a typical 24-hour work week (3 days). Work settings may include en route center radar consoles in controlled environments, TRACON facilities adjacent to airports, or operating within airport traffic control towers, each presenting unique shifts and responsibilities. The hourly wage for these professionals can range from $44.46 at entry-level positions (P10) to $109.12 for those at the top of the pay scale (P90), providing various earning potentials that cater to different career stages and personal logistics.
About the Rochester 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) | $44.46 | $355.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.19 | $449.50 |
| Median (P50) | $76.66 | $613.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98.02 | $784.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.12 | $872.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $76.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.66/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, NH can expect to earn approximately $159,455 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,993. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,066.43 | $13,288 | $159,455 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,839.86 | $7,973 | $95,673 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,226.57 | $5,315 | $63,782 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Rochester) | $76.66 |
| 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 Rochester, NH earn a median of $159,453 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.98% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.70% below the New Hampshire state average of $165,580.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.66/hr = $95,673/year (purchasing power: $89,164).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $159,455/year (purchasing power: $148,606).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Rochester grew 20.4% from $62.08/hr (2019) to $74.74/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.63/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
For those contemplating part-time work in Rochester, becoming an air traffic controller for three days a week offers a substantial annual income, albeit less than full-time workers. The allure of per-diem roles can be enticing, particularly as controllers gain flexibility and often negotiate higher pay for specific training transitions. Many Certified Professional Controllers (CPCs) experience an uptick in effective hourly compensation through overtime, frequently working 50-60 hour weeks in understaffed facilities, leading to additional earnings of $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Additionally, controllers at various facility types across Rochester—such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and military control structures—may see significant differences in their hourly pay based on location and the associated benefits. Opting for positions with lower hourly rates but solid health benefits can be a strategic move for many. When negotiating, understanding the nuances of the local job market and leveraging one’s specific skill set can provide a critical edge in securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Rochester. 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 Rochester 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