Air Traffic Controller Salary in Concord, NH: $157,847 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Concord, NH earns a median $157,847/year (≈ $75.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Concord's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $147,108 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Concord, NH, can expect significant earnings, with the 2026 median annual salary reaching $157,847. Factors such as chronic understaffing often lead controllers to work longer hours, frequently clocking in between 50 to 60-hour weeks. This reality effectively elevates overall compensation. The salary range is quite broad, from $91,551 at the 10th percentile to $227,211 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variances in experience, facility type, and responsibilities. These figures result from estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. Given Concord's unique labor market, controllers are in a competitive position to negotiate pay.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,551 | $44.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,778 | $54.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,847 | $75.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $202,044 | $97.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $227,211 | $109.24 |
Median Salary Position
3.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Concord
In Concord, NH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,660 (2026 est.). At $157,847, the local median is 3.92% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Concord: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Concord Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Concord median: $157,847/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Concord Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $165,632 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +3.92% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Concord, NH earn a median of $157,847 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.92% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.70% below the New Hampshire state average of $165,632.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Concord has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Concord, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,847 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,108 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$127,817
2025 BLS Actual
$153,892
2026 Current Est.
$157,847
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,817 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,539 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,843 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,441 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,772 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,031 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,892 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,847 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,904 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Concord metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $127,817 (2019) to $153,892 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,904 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,087 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $91,551 – $113,778 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,778 – $157,847 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,847 – $202,044 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $202,044 – $227,211 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Concord
In Concord, the job market for air traffic controllers shows strength, with 11 positions filled in the area, making it a sustainable environment for aspiring professionals. The cost-of-living index, at 107.3, suggests that while salaries are robust, they must offset a slightly higher-than-average living expense. Federal agencies such as the FAA dominate the employment scene, with en route centers and TRACON facilities likely offering the highest pay, reflecting the complexities of controlling high-altitude and terminal traffic. Pay disparities depend on various factors, including facility types—en route typically garners higher pay than tower positions—and certification status, where fully certified professional controllers receive the greatest compensation. Night shifts and holidays can provide lucrative additional pay, creating opportunities for controllers to maximize their earnings further. In this competitive market, staying connected with industry changes and pursuing professional development can be critical strategies for increasing air traffic controller pay in Concord, NH.
More salary data for Concord, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $153,892 for air traffic controllersin the Concord metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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