Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Newport, RI: $85,112 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Newport, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,112 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Newport's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,689 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($146,745) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the air traffic control field in Newport, Rhode Island, can anticipate an entry-level salary around $85,112 in 2026. This figure reflects a notable starting point, especially compared to the city's median annual salary of $146,745. New air traffic controllers can realistically expect their compensation to grow significantly over their first few years on the job, progressing from $85,112 to approximately $105,656 within three to five years as they gain experience and training. Given the 2026 projections, the market offers decent opportunities for recent graduates in this profession, especially when considering the overall demand for air traffic controllers in the region.
About the Newport Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Newport
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newport
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Newport, RI typically start between $85,112 and $105,656 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $123,408 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $146,745 — 3.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Rhode Island of $48,000 represents just 56.40% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($85,112/year) in Newport. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Newport
- 1Research the Newport market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $85,112 to $105,656, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in RI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Newport, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Newport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Newport's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Newport is $123,408 ( 144.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,112, experienced hygienists can earn up to $208,520.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,302
2025 BLS Actual
$82,979
2026 Current Est.
$85,112
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Newport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,302 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,059 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,868 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,619 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,979 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,112 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,299 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Newport, RI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,302 in 2019 to $82,979 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,299. New graduates entering the Newport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Newport
When pursuing a new grad air traffic controller position in Newport, aspiring applicants should be aware of several key pathways to employment. The FAA frequently hires new controllers through public bid windows and partnerships with select universities that participate in the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). These applicants must be under 31 years of age unless they are military veterans. Entry requirements include U.S. citizenship, a bachelor's degree or relevant work experience, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Initial training at the FAA Academy, followed by facility-specific training, is essential before becoming fully certified. In their first one to three years, new controllers can expect steady salary growth, aided by the persistent staffing shortages that have led to consistent overtime opportunities. This not only increases earning potential but also allows young professionals to establish themselves within the FAA's FG pay scale, setting a solid foundation for a lucrative career ahead.
More salary data for Newport, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Newport in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Newport?
Is aviation school worth it in Newport?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Newport?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Rhode Island?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Rhode Island
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Newport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Newport 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