Air Traffic Controller Salary in Manchester, NH: $165,547 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Manchester, NH earns a median $165,547/year (≈ $79.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $154,284 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Manchester, New Hampshire, can expect a median annual salary of $165,547, surpassing the national median of $151,886 by approximately 8.99%. The salary range for this profession in Manchester is quite broad, spanning from $96,017 at the 10th percentile up to $246,822 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Controllers in Manchester are likely to go through a CPC certification timeline that typically spans 1-3 years, where developmental controller salaries range from about 65% to 75% of full CPC pay. This promising financial trajectory, combined with steady job demand, positions Manchester advantageously in the air traffic control job market.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,017 | $46.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119,194 | $57.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,547 | $79.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $211,900 | $101.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $246,822 | $118.66 |
Median Salary Position
8.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $150,805 (2026 est.). At $165,547, the local median is 8.99% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Manchester median: $165,547/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $165,713 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +8.99% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Manchester, NH earn a median of $165,547 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.99% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.10% below the New Hampshire state average of $165,713.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $165,547 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $154,284 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,052
2025 BLS Actual
$161,399
2026 Current Est.
$165,547
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,052 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,151 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,145 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,737 | Actual |
| 2024 | $144,764 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,399 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,547 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,802 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $134,052 (2019) to $161,399 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $169,802 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,750 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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) | $96,017 – $119,194 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $119,194 – $165,547 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,547 – $211,900 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $211,900 – $246,822 |
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 Manchester
Currently, 27 air traffic controllers are employed in Manchester, NH, yet regional challenges such as a relatively higher cost of living index at 107.3 indicate that take-home purchasing power may be impacted. As controllers in the area, those working at FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACONs) or airport traffic control towers typically experience differences in pay structure, driven primarily by facility level and CPC certification status. Higher wages are often associated with en route centers, which handle more complex traffic scenarios. Variables like shift differentials for night and holiday shifts, overtime availability due to chronic staffing shortages, and locality pay can significantly influence overall earnings. To maximize income in the Manchester market, candidates should actively seek positions at TRACONs or pursue additional certifications, while also considering the benefits of working night shifts to take advantage of differential pay.
More salary data for Manchester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Manchester, NH in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Manchester?
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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 $161,399 for air traffic controllersin the Manchester 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 Manchester 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