Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Manchester, NH: $79.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Manchester, NH runs $79.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $165,547 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,334 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, New Hampshire, air traffic controllers command a median hourly pay of $79.59, which is notably higher than the national median of $73.02. This elevated pay reflects the challenging and demanding work environments in which controllers operate, such as radar consoles in en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For part-time workers, for example, those working three days a week can expect significant earnings even on a reduced schedule, tapping into their skills from various facilities. The hourly pay range for air traffic controllers in Manchester spans from $46.17 for entry-level positions to approximately $118.66 for those at the peak of their careers, indicating a substantial earning potential that can accommodate both seasoned professionals and newcomers entering the field.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.17 | $369.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.31 | $458.45 |
| Median (P50) | $79.59 | $636.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101.87 | $814.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.66 | $949.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $79.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.59/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, NH can expect to earn approximately $165,556 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,513. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,183.77 | $13,796 | $165,556 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,910.26 | $8,278 | $99,334 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,273.51 | $5,519 | $66,222 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Manchester) | $79.59 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
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.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.59/hr = $99,334/year (purchasing power: $92,576).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $165,556/year (purchasing power: $154,293).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Manchester grew 20.4% from $64.45/hr (2019) to $77.60/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $81.64/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Manchester
Working part-time, a controller in Manchester can expect to take home a considerable amount even with a limited schedule. For instance, a three-day workweek totaling 24 hours yields an impressive annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. The per-diem air traffic controller pay in Manchester can also be lucrative, especially for those who engage in overtime, which can significantly boost their compensation. Controllers frequently exceed standard hours, working upwards of 50-60 hours weekly, yielding potential annual earnings that include $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime alone. Diverse employers in the region, including FAA regional centers, contract towers, and military facilities, can lead to variations in pay structures and benefits. Negotiating for better hourly rates can hinge on factors such as the desire for health benefits versus a higher pay rate without them. As such, being informed about the employment landscape in Manchester is crucial for controllers aiming to maximize their hourly earnings.
More salary data for Manchester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Manchester in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Manchester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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