Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rochester, NH: $226,974 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Rochester, NH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $226,974/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Rochester's price premium (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $211,532 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 Rochester, New Hampshire, the substantial potential for earnings as a senior air traffic controller is evident, with 2026 projections indicating that the top earnings rank at an impressive $226,974, and the 75th percentile salaries reaching $203,876. When comparing this to national figures, Rochester's highest-paid controllers significantly exceed the national top tier. The median annual salary of $159,453 acts as a clear separator from those who achieve top-tier pay. Those in this market can reach such high compensation levels through a combination of extensive experience, advanced training, and specialization in critical areas, including en route and military air traffic control, where demand and responsibility are notably higher.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Rochester earn between $203,876 and $226,974 per year (2026 est.). This $134,491 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rochester median of $159,453 sits 4.98% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Rochester | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $159,453 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $203,876 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $226,974 | $221,151 |
In Rochester, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 42.35% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Rochester
Advanced Certifications in New Hampshire
NH air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $159,453 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rochester employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Rochester command premium compensation, often reaching the $203,876–$226,974 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRochester ranks #6 of 16 New Hampshire cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $226,974).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Rochester ($226,974) is 0.9% below the New Hampshire average P90 ($229,029).
2019 BLS Actual
$180,962
2025 BLS Actual
$221,287
2026 Current Est.
$226,974
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
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 | $180,962 | Actual |
| 2020 | $189,645 | Actual |
| 2021 | $190,887 | Actual |
| 2022 | $194,797 | Actual |
| 2023 | $206,282 | Actual |
| 2024 | $198,383 | Actual |
| 2025 | $221,287 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $226,974 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $232,807 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Rochester saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $180,962 in 2019 to $221,287 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 $232,807 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Rochester
Many factors influence the senior air traffic controller pay in NH, particularly specialization and the type of employing facility. For example, specialized roles like en route / radar control typically command the highest salaries, reflecting the complexity involved in managing high-altitude traffic. On the other hand, compensation may differ significantly between FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach control, and military air traffic control entities. Advanced credentials and career progression also impact earnings, with pathways leading from developmental controllers to certified professional controller (CPC) roles and beyond to supervisory positions. Controllers looking to maximize their income should consider the various levels of the facility system and earn differential pay for night and holiday shifts, as well as overtime opportunities, which are abundant in the current climate of staffing challenges. The cumulative effects of specialization, type of employer, and accrued experience can significantly enhance one’s earning trajectory in Rochester's air traffic control landscape.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Rochester in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Rochester?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Rochester?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Rochester?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Rochester?
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 $221,287 for air traffic controllers in the Rochester 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 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