Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Kingstown, RI: $84,913 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the North Kingstown, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,913 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Kingstown's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,491 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($146,401) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the air traffic controller field in North Kingstown, Rhode Island can expect a starting air traffic controller salary of around $84,913. While this is significantly lower than the city median of $146,401, it represents a solid entry point for those at the beginning of their careers. With time and experience, new controllers can anticipate salary increases that move them closer to the median, particularly as they advance to the P25 level where salaries rise to approximately $106,669. This trajectory reveals a promising outlook for those entering this demanding profession. Given the competitive salary structure and the stable growth rate of 2.57% annually, North Kingstown presents a favorable market for fresh graduates seeking their first roles in air traffic control.
About the North Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Kingstown
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 North Kingstown
Entry-level air traffic controllers in North Kingstown, RI typically start between $84,913 and $106,669 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $122,096 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $146,401 — 3.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Rhode Island of $48,000 represents just 56.53% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($84,913/year) in North Kingstown. 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 North Kingstown
- 1Research the North Kingstown market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $84,913 to $106,669, 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 North Kingstown, 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 North Kingstown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Kingstown'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 North Kingstown is $122,096 ( 143.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,913, experienced hygienists can earn up to $207,009.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,133
2025 BLS Actual
$82,785
2026 Current Est.
$84,913
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,133 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,881 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,686 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,431 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,473 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,785 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,913 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,095 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in North Kingstown, RI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,133 in 2019 to $82,785 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,095. New graduates entering the North Kingstown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Kingstown 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 North Kingstown
During the hiring process, several key employers actively recruit for entry-level positions in North Kingstown. The FAA is the primary agency, conducting periodic hiring through public announcements aimed at applicants who are under 31 years old, unless they are military veterans. Those interested should also consider enrolling in the FAA's Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, which partners with select universities. For new hires, completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City is the next step, typically lasting 3-5 months, followed by facility-specific training that can take up to three years before full certification. Credentials such as a bachelor's degree, or three years of progressive work experience combined with passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), enhance earning potential. As a federal employee classified under the FG pay scale, controllers in North Kingstown will face a stringent but rewarding career path, with realistic salary growth in their first years that can eventually align with the command pay rates seen at major en route facilities across the country.
More salary data for North Kingstown, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 North Kingstown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Kingstown 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