Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Westerly, RI: $85,193 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Westerly, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,193 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Westerly's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,769 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($142,551) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Transitioning into an entry-level air traffic controller role can set the stage for a rewarding career in Westerly, Rhode Island. Graduates entering the field in 2026 can expect a starting air traffic controller salary between $85,193 and $106,340, reflecting the pay scale for beginners. While this may seem lower than the city’s median annual salary of $142,551, new hires can steadily progress toward the median as they gain experience. In the first few years, entry-level controllers might witness salary growth driven by performance and tenure. Westerly presents a stable environment for fresh graduates with its competitive entry-level pay compared to many regions, and a growth trajectory that encourages long-term investment in the profession.
About the Westerly Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Westerly
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 Westerly
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Westerly, RI typically start between $85,193 and $106,340 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,317 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $142,551 — 6.15% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Rhode Island of $48,000 represents just 56.34% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($85,193/year) in Westerly. 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 Westerly
- 1Research the Westerly market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $85,193 to $106,340, 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 Westerly, 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 Westerly for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Westerly'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 Westerly is $111,317 ( 130.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,193, experienced hygienists can earn up to $196,510.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,371
2025 BLS Actual
$83,058
2026 Current Est.
$85,193
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Westerly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,371 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,063 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,131 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,942 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,696 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,277 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,058 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,193 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,382 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Westerly, RI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,371 in 2019 to $83,058 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,382. New graduates entering the Westerly job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westerly 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 Westerly
Westerly’s job market offers opportunities through key employers such as the FAA, which actively recruits new controllers for training initiatives like the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and periodic public hiring announcements. Importantly, applicants must be under age 31 unless they are military veterans, enhancing the need for proactive outreach from those planning their careers. To bolster their earning potential, new air traffic controllers in RI should aim to meet specific credentials, which include passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Within the first few years, entry-level controllers progressing through training can anticipate an annual salary increment through consistent facility-specific training that typically lasts one to three years. While immediate entry-level pay may seem modest, sustained overtime and excellent benefits can lead to lucrative compensation pathways as they deepen their expertise in this field, enhancing their long-term value as federal employees on the FG pay scale.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Westerly in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Westerly?
Is aviation school worth it in Westerly?
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How do I become a air traffic controller in Rhode Island?
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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 Westerly. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Westerly 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