Air Traffic Controller Salary in Keene, NH: $158,708 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Keene, NH earns a median $158,708/year (≈ $76.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Keene's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $147,911 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Keene, New Hampshire, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $158,708, which places them slightly above the national average of $151,886. The salary range for this position in the area spans from $92,050 at the 10th percentile to $217,470 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living factors. Employment opportunities for air traffic controllers are relatively niche in Keene, which could impact hiring and pay scalability. Controllers in this market will find distinctions in facility tiers—en route controllers typically earn more than those in terminal and tower operations, making understanding the local job structure crucial for maximizing potential earnings in this field.
About the Keene Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,050 | $44.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,269 | $54.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,708 | $76.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $198,860 | $95.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $217,470 | $104.55 |
Median Salary Position
4.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Keene
In Keene, NH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,420 (2026 est.). At $158,708, the local median is 4.49% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Keene: You'd be above the median
How Keene Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Keene median: $158,708/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Keene Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $165,666 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +4.49% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Keene, NH earn a median of $158,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.49% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.20% below the New Hampshire state average of $165,666.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Keene has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Keene, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,708 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,911 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,514
2025 BLS Actual
$154,731
2026 Current Est.
$158,708
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Keene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,514 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,278 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,578 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,783 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,731 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,708 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,786 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Keene metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $128,514 (2019) to $154,731 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,786 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,272 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keene 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) | $92,050 – $114,269 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,269 – $158,708 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,708 – $198,860 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $198,860 – $217,470 |
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 Keene
Looking at the broader job market in Keene, there are currently five air traffic controllers employed, indicating a limited yet stable market. With a cost of living index of 107.3, local salaries provide a competitive edge, but the increased cost might affect take-home purchasing power. Highest pay is generally associated with en route facilities, which manage high-altitude traffic, compared to terminal and control tower positions. Variability in salary can largely be attributed to system-level factors, including facility classification, CPC certification status, and shift differentials. Those seeking to enhance their earnings in Keene should consider obtaining CPC certification while strategizing for shifts that offer premium pay, such as nights or holidays. Furthermore, being open to overtime opportunities can significantly augment overall compensation, illustrating the importance of proactive career management in this specialized field.
More salary data for Keene, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Keene, NH in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Keene?
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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
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 $154,731 for air traffic controllersin the Keene 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 Keene 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