Air Traffic Controller Salary

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 100.51% 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.

$84,913
Starting Salary
$40.82/hr
Starting Hourly
$84,913
Entry Level
$146,401
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Entry Level Salary in North Kingstown, RI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
North Kingstown, RI air traffic controller entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$84,913/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$106,669/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$146,401/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$186,676/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Kingstown

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in North Kingstown. The median salary is $146,401, compared to the national median of $151,886.$76.4K$111.7K$146.9K$182.1K$217.4K$84.9K10th Pctl$106.7K25th Pctl$146.4KMedian$186.7K75th Pctl$207.0K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

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 $146,4013.61% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of air traffic controller pay in the North Kingstown metro area.

Return on Investment

$48,000
Avg RI Program Cost
$84,913
Starting Salary
56.53%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in North Kingstown. Baseline $72,133 in 2025, projected to $87,095 by 2027.$69.1K$74.4K$79.6K$84.9K$90.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$72.1K$76.8K$75.9K$77.7K$80.4K$75.5K$82.8K$84.9K$87.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$72,133Actual
2020$76,810Actual
2021$75,881Actual
2022$77,686Actual
2023$80,431Actual
2024$75,473Actual
2025$82,785Actual
2026(current)$84,913Estimated
2027$87,095Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Kingstown metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in North Kingstown in 2026?

Entry-level air traffic controllers in North Kingstown start at approximately $84,913/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $40.82/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in North Kingstown?

Most air traffic controllers in North Kingstown progress from the entry-level salary of $84,913 to the area median of $146,401 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $207,009 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is aviation school worth it in North Kingstown?

With a starting salary of $84,913/year in North Kingstown and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new air traffic controllers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in North Kingstown?

New aviation graduates in North Kingstown typically start near the 10th percentile at $84,913/year, or approximately $40.82/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a air traffic controller in Rhode Island?

To become a licensed air traffic controller in Rhode Island, you typically need pass the faa air traffic skills assessment (atsa), graduate from faa academy in oklahoma city (3-5 months), and complete on-the-job training at an faa facility (typically 2-4 years to full certification). maximum entry age is 30. annual physical and psych exams required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Rhode Island, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some air traffic controllers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Rhode Island

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

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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