Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Londonderry, NH: $227,018 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Londonderry, NH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $227,018/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Londonderry's price premium (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $211,573 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the top-tier salaries for senior air traffic controllers in Londonderry, New Hampshire are compelling, with the 90th percentile earning as much as $227,018 annually and the 75th percentile receiving $203,909. Such figures illustrate the significant earning potential for those who have honed their skills over several years and achieved professional mastery. The robust median annual salary of $159,467 further highlights the experience premium associated with this pivotal role in aviation. Those reaching this pinnacle of pay typically possess a wealth of knowledge and proficiency, often specializing in complex environments such as en route and radar operations, which are critical to maintaining safe air traffic management.
About the Londonderry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Londonderry
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Londonderry earn between $203,909 and $227,018 per year (2026 est.). This $134,528 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Londonderry median of $159,467 sits 4.99% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Londonderry | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $159,467 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $203,909 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $227,018 | $221,151 |
In Londonderry, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 42.36% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Londonderry
Advanced Certifications in New Hampshire
NH air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $159,467 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Londonderry employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Londonderry command premium compensation, often reaching the $203,909–$227,018 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Londonderry metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Londonderry with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in New Hampshire who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Londonderry
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLondonderry ranks #5 of 16 New Hampshire cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $227,018).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Londonderry ($227,018) is 0.88% below the New Hampshire average P90 ($229,029).
2019 BLS Actual
$180,998
2025 BLS Actual
$221,330
2026 Current Est.
$227,018
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Londonderry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $180,998 | Actual |
| 2020 | $189,682 | Actual |
| 2021 | $190,924 | Actual |
| 2022 | $194,835 | Actual |
| 2023 | $206,322 | Actual |
| 2024 | $198,421 | Actual |
| 2025 | $221,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $227,018 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $232,853 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Londonderry saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $180,998 in 2019 to $221,330 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $232,853 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Londonderry 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Londonderry
The compensation dynamics in Londonderry reveal that specific specializations fetch considerably higher wages, particularly in en route radar and terminal radar facilities. Controllers in these areas are often employed by the FAA's en route centers and TRACONs, and they benefit from various pay differentials based on their positions, levels of responsibility, and hours worked. Senior air traffic controllers can envision career advancements through structured pathways, progressing from developmental controller roles to operations supervisors and eventually ATC managers. In addition, obtaining advanced credentials, including FAA certifications and specialized training, can enhance their marketability and income potential. The interplay of employer type, with significant payscale differences between federal agencies and civilian contractors, also plays a substantial role in senior-level compensation strategies, influencing the overall earning capabilities of experienced air traffic controllers in Londonderry, NH.
More salary data for Londonderry, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Londonderry in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Londonderry?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Londonderry?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Londonderry?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Londonderry?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $221,330 for air traffic controllers in the Londonderry metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Londonderry 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