Air Traffic Controller Salary in Laconia, NH: $158,670 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Laconia, NH earns a median $158,670/year (≈ $76.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Laconia's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $147,875 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Laconia, NH, is projected to reach a median of $158,670, slightly surpassing the national average of $151,886. The salaries range from $92,029 at the lower end (P10) to $211,906 for the top earners (P90), indicating a competitive pay scale in this specialized field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic factors. With a relatively small number of controllers employed locally, the job market for air traffic controllers in Laconia offers promising opportunities for those who are certified and experienced as they navigate the path to full certification, which can take between one to three years, tapering toward the high-end earning potential.
About the Laconia Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,029 | $44.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,242 | $54.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $158,670 | $76.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $195,400 | $93.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $211,906 | $101.88 |
Median Salary Position
4.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laconia
In Laconia, NH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,877 (2026 est.). At $158,670, the local median is 4.47% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laconia: You'd be above the median
How Laconia Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Laconia median: $158,670/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laconia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $165,626 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +4.47% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Laconia, NH earn a median of $158,670 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.47% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.20% below the New Hampshire state average of $165,626.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laconia has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laconia, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $158,670 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,875 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,483
2025 BLS Actual
$154,694
2026 Current Est.
$158,670
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Laconia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,483 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,245 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,545 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,157 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,516 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,751 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,694 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,670 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,747 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laconia metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $128,483 (2019) to $154,694 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,747 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,264 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laconia 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) | $92,029 – $114,242 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,242 – $158,670 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $158,670 – $195,400 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $195,400 – $211,906 |
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 Laconia
The local air traffic control job market employs only six controllers, which might suggest limited competition but highlights the scarcity of skilled professionals in this area. With a cost-of-living index of 107.3, the purchasing power of air traffic controller pay Laconia NH should be taken into account, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the living expenses are above the national average. The highest salaries in the region typically come from FAA en route centers, particularly those requiring advanced certifications. Controllers can optimize their pay through strategic shifts; working nighttime or holiday shifts can significantly boost earnings due to additional pay differentials. Understanding the local facility types, from en route to terminal or tower, along with maximized overtime opportunities and locality pay differences, can be beneficial for aspiring controllers who want to maximize how much do air traffic controllers make in Laconia.
More salary data for Laconia, 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 $154,694 for air traffic controllersin the Laconia 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 Laconia 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