Coventry vs Providence: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Coventry, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coventry, RI | Providence, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $150,191▲ | $129,546 |
| Hourly Rate | $72.21▲ | $62.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,111▲ | $63,296 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,137▲ | $90,118 |
| 75th Percentile | $190,301▲ | $154,040 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,946▲ | $154,040 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Coventry, RI offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Providence.
The salary gap between Coventry and Providence is $20,645 (15.94%). Coventry's median is -1.12% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Coventry spans $123,835,Providence spans $90,744. Coventry has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Coventry ($149,444 effective) pays 17.40% more than Providence ($127,289 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Coventry if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($150,191/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,946)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,444)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Coventry grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.2% growth in Providence over the same period.
Coventry, RI
$133,495 (2024) → $146,428 (2025)
Providence, RI
$118,960 (2023) → $126,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coventry, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Coventry or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coventry and Providence?
Should I relocate from Coventry to Providence as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Coventry vs Providence?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov