Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rochester, NH: $159,453 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Rochester, NH earns a median $159,453/year (≈ $76.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Rochester's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $148,605 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Rochester, New Hampshire, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $159,453, which is approximately 4.98% higher than the national median of $151,886. The overall salary range is substantial, with entry-level positions starting around $92,483 and seasoned controllers reaching up to $226,974. This local compensation data is derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level figures and adjusted for regional cost variations. The timeline for becoming a fully certified professional controller typically spans 1-3 years, during which many controllers start with lower pay as developmental controllers, making it essential to assess long-term earning potential against the local market dynamics in Rochester.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,483 | $44.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,879 | $56.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $159,453 | $76.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $203,876 | $98.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $226,974 | $109.12 |
Median Salary Position
4.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
In Rochester, NH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $134,491 (2026 est.). At $159,453, the local median is 4.98% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rochester: You'd be above the median
How Rochester Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Rochester median: $159,453/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rochester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $165,580 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +4.98% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Rochester, NH earn a median of $159,453 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.98% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.70% below the New Hampshire state average of $165,580.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rochester has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rochester, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $159,453 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,605 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,118
2025 BLS Actual
$155,458
2026 Current Est.
$159,453
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,118 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,918 | Actual |
| 2021 | $136,215 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,839 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,225 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,436 | Actual |
| 2025 | $155,458 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,453 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,551 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rochester metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $129,118 (2019) to $155,458 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,551 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,433 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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) | $92,483 – $116,879 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,879 – $159,453 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $159,453 – $203,876 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $203,876 – $226,974 |
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 Rochester
As of now, Rochester employs seven air traffic controllers, reflecting a specialized but competitive job market. With a cost-of-living index of 107.3, the economic environment affects take-home pay, emphasizing the importance of financial planning for those pursuing a career in air traffic control. To maximize earnings, controllers should consider aiming for positions at FAA en route centers or terminal radar approach control facilities, where pay tends to be higher than at smaller airport towers. The disparities in earnings are often linked to facility type, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and the increasing demand for overtime work in the wake of chronic staffing shortages across the country. Strategic decisions, such as seeking higher-level en route positions or taking advantage of available overtime, can significantly enhance the overall air traffic controller pay in Rochester, NH.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Rochester, NH in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Rochester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Rochester?
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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 $155,458 for air traffic controllersin the Rochester 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 Rochester 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