Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hudson, NH: $158,233 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Hudson, NH earns a median $158,233/year (≈ $76.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Hudson's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $147,468 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hudson, New Hampshire, an air traffic controller can expect a median annual salary of $158,233 in 2026, which is 4.18% higher than the national median of $151,886. The projected salary range for this position in Hudson spans from $91,775 at the 10th percentile to $222,904 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse range of experience and job responsibilities. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and are adjusted for regional cost considerations, showing Hudson as a competitive market for aspiring air traffic controllers. Given that the certification timeline typically lasts 1-3 years for developmental controllers, earning potential steadily increases as individuals gain experience and achieve full certification.
About the Hudson Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,775 | $44.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,928 | $54.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,233 | $76.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $200,895 | $96.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,904 | $107.17 |
Median Salary Position
4.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hudson
In Hudson, NH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,129 (2026 est.). At $158,233, the local median is 4.18% above the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Hudson: You'd be above the median
How Hudson Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Hudson median: $158,233/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hudson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $165,689 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +4.18% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Hudson, NH earn a median of $158,233 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.18% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the New Hampshire state average of $165,689.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hudson has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hudson, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,233 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,468 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,130
2025 BLS Actual
$154,268
2026 Current Est.
$158,233
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hudson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,172 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,776 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,121 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,268 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,233 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,299 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hudson metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $128,130 (2019) to $154,268 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,299 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,169 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hudson 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) | $91,775 – $113,928 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,928 – $158,233 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,233 – $200,895 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $200,895 – $222,904 |
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 Hudson
The job market for air traffic controllers in Hudson employs just four individuals, a reflection of the localized demand and unique challenges within this profession. With a cost-of-living index of 107.3, officers must consider how expenses impact their take-home purchasing power. Employers in this region, such as FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACONs) and airport traffic control towers (ATCT), differ significantly in pay structures, influenced by factors like facility type and CPC certification status. Controllers may earn different rates based on the type of facility, with en route positions typically offering the highest compensation. Strategies to maximize pay include targeting positions at higher-level en route facilities, seeking overtime opportunities, and considering shift differentials, which can further augment earnings. Thus, understanding these local dynamics is crucial for anyone looking to gauge air traffic controller pay in Hudson, NH, and optimize their career trajectory.
More salary data for Hudson, 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 $154,268 for air traffic controllersin the Hudson 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 Hudson 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