Air Traffic Controller Salary

North Providence vs Warwick: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between North Providence, RI and Warwick, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

North Providence, RI
$146,448
$70.40/hr
Warwick, RI
$132,173
$63.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNorth Providence, RIWarwick, RI
Median Salary$146,448$132,173
Hourly Rate$70.40$63.54
Entry Level (P10)$84,940$76,660
25th Percentile$106,760$95,164
75th Percentile$186,680$169,181
Top Earner (P90)$207,531$192,945
Total Employed616
Side-by-side bar chart comparing North Providence ($146,448) and Warwick ($132,173) air traffic controller salaries.North ProvidenceWarwickMedian Salary$146,448$132,173Entry Level (P10)$84,940$76,660Top Earner (P90)$207,531$192,945US Median $151,886

Verdict

North Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Warwick.

The salary gap between North Providence and Warwick is $14,275 (10.80%). North Providence's median is -3.58% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in North Providence spans $122,591,Warwick spans $116,285. North Providence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

North Providence
P10 (Entry)$84,940
P25$106,760
Median$146,448
P75$186,680
P90 (Top)$207,531
Warwick
P10 (Entry)$76,660
P25$95,164
Median$132,173
P75$169,181
P90 (Top)$192,945

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, North Providence ($145,719 effective) pays 10.80% more than Warwick ($131,515 effective).

North Providence
Nominal: $146,448
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $145,719
Warwick
Nominal: $132,173
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $131,515

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose North Providence if…

  • Higher median salary ($146,448/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($207,531)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,719)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Warwick if…

  • Larger job market (16 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 North Providence grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.0% growth in Warwick over the same period.

North Providence, RI

+9.7%

$130,168 (2024) → $142,779 (2025)

Warwick, RI

+-6.0%

$137,042 (2024) → $128,861 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: North Providence or Warwick?

North Providence has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $146,448/year, compared to Warwick at $132,173/year — a difference of $14,275 (10.80%).

What is the hourly rate difference between North Providence and Warwick?

North Providence air traffic controllers earn $70.40/hr while Warwick hygienists earn $63.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from North Providence to Warwick as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing North Providence and Warwick. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: North Providence = $145,719, Warwick = $131,515), job availability (6 vs 16 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in North Providence vs Warwick?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $84,940 in North Providence and $76,660 in Warwick. The North Providence area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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