Air Traffic Controller Salary in Dover, NH: $160,173 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Dover, NH earns a median $160,173/year (≈ $77.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Dover's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $149,276 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The air traffic controller salary in Dover, NH, stands at a median of $160,173 according to 2026 projections, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national average of $151,886. The salary range in this area is substantial, offering a spectrum from $93,821 at the 10th percentile to $219,124 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. For aspiring controllers, it's noteworthy that advancing to a certified professional controller (CPC) can take 1 to 3 years, resulting in a potential pay structure characterized by developmental pay and gradual salary growth tied to certification milestones. This local economic environment can foster a strong job market for air traffic controllers, particularly for those who are committed to developing their skills and advancing their careers.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,821 | $45.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,281 | $56.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $160,173 | $77.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $199,875 | $96.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,124 | $105.35 |
Median Salary Position
5.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dover
In Dover, NH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,303 (2026 est.). At $160,173, the local median is 5.46% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dover: You'd be above the median
How Dover Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Dover median: $160,173/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dover Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $165,639 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +5.46% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Dover, NH earn a median of $160,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% below the New Hampshire state average of $165,639.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dover has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dover, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $160,173 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,276 — a 6.8% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$129,701
2025 BLS Actual
$156,160
2026 Current Est.
$160,173
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,701 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,536 | Actual |
| 2021 | $136,830 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,466 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,065 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,173 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,290 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dover metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $129,701 (2019) to $156,160 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $164,290 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,589 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dover 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) | $93,821 – $118,281 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,281 – $160,173 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $160,173 – $199,875 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $199,875 – $219,124 |
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 Dover
Job opportunities for air traffic controllers in Dover are relatively niche, with only five individuals currently employed in this field, which indicates a specialized but competitive market. The cost of living index is 107.3, suggesting that while salaries may offer a strong purchasing power, they also reflect a slightly higher local operational cost compared to national averages. Among the various employers in the region, FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACONs) and airport traffic control towers (ATCT) typically offer the most competitive wages. Factors influencing the pay scale include the level of the facility, with en route facilities generally paying more than terminal or tower settings. Controllers also benefit from additional pay through overtime opportunities and night shift differentials, which can significantly enhance total earnings. To optimize salary potential in Dover, air traffic controllers should focus on gaining experience, pursuing CPC certification, and seeking positions within higher-tier facilities, making the most of available opportunities to advance within the FAA pay structure.
More salary data for Dover, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Dover, NH in 2026?
Is Dover, NH a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Dover?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Dover?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Dover?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 $156,160 for air traffic controllersin the Dover 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 Dover 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