Air Traffic Controller Salary in Salem, NH: $161,651 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Salem, NH earns a median $161,651/year (≈ $77.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Salem's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $150,653 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, New Hampshire, the projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers is an impressive $161,651 for 2026, marking a competitive 6.43% increase compared to the national median of $151,886. This local figure, derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, reveals a salary range from $93,758 (P10) to $224,031 (P90), which reflects the various tiers within the industry, particularly en route (Level 12), terminal (Level 11), and tower facilities (Level 7). In this market, factors such as facility type significantly influence earnings potential, making it essential for controllers to consider these dynamics as they assess job opportunities in Salem.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,758 | $45.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,389 | $55.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $161,651 | $77.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $203,355 | $97.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $224,031 | $107.71 |
Median Salary Position
6.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, NH, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,273 (2026 est.). At $161,651, the local median is 6.43% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be above the median
How Salem Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Salem median: $161,651/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $165,626 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +6.43% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Salem, NH earn a median of $161,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.43% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $165,626.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $161,651 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,653 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$130,898
2025 BLS Actual
$157,601
2026 Current Est.
$161,651
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,898 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,806 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,092 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,753 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,213 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,358 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,601 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,651 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,806 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $130,898 (2019) to $157,601 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $165,806 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,908 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $93,758 – $116,389 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,389 – $161,651 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $161,651 – $203,355 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $203,355 – $224,031 |
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 Salem
In analyzing the air traffic controller salary in Salem, it is important to factor in the local job market, where only eight controllers are currently employed. This limited number may suggest a niche market with potential opportunities for ambitious professionals. Moreover, the area's cost-of-living index of 107.3 indicates that daily expenses are slightly above the national average, impacting overall purchasing power. Controllers working in FAA en route centers may benefit more financially, given the higher pay associated with such facilities, compared to those in terminal or tower operations. Variations in pay also arise from factors like CPC certification status, shift differentials, and overtime opportunities, particularly in the face of staffing challenges. For those aiming to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Salem, pursuing certifications, seeking out higher-tier facilities, and being flexible with shifts can significantly improve their compensation trajectory.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Salem, NH in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Salem?
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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 $157,601 for air traffic controllersin the Salem 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 Salem 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