Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Bristol, RI: $69.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Bristol, RI runs $69.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,502 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,699 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Rhode Island, the projected hourly rate for air traffic controllers is $69.47, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This rate is significant for those considering part-time work, as controllers often operate in rigorous environments, such as en route center radar consoles or airport traffic control tower cabs, while working three days a week. For those working at these facilities, the hourly earnings can vary from $40.29 at entry-level positions to $97.59 for individuals in the upper echelon, reflecting a diverse skill range and experience level. Moreover, this hourly rate is derived from annual salary data, placing Bristol's air traffic controller hourly pay in a competitive yet manageable range against the broader national context, allowing professionals to make informed decisions about their career paths.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.29 | $322.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.02 | $400.19 |
| Median (P50) | $69.47 | $555.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.69 | $677.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.59 | $780.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $69.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.47/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, RI can expect to earn approximately $144,499 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,365. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,778.83 | $12,042 | $144,499 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,667.30 | $7,225 | $86,699 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,111.53 | $4,817 | $57,800 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Bristol) | $69.47 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Bristol, RI earn a median of $144,502 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $152,589.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.47/hr = $86,699/year (purchasing power: $86,268).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,499/year (purchasing power: $143,780).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$56.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Bristol grew 20.4% from $56.25/hr (2019) to $67.73/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.26/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Bristol
For air traffic controllers in Bristol who opt for part-time positions or per-diem roles, the financial dynamics can shift significantly compared to full-time employees. Those working 24 hours a week can expect to see their annual earnings fluctuate based on hourly commitments, while many controllers often accrue generous overtime at a rate of 1.5 times their base pay. This can elevate their effective hourly compensation well above what their typical FAA counterparts earn, especially in facilities grappling with chronic staffing shortages. Various employment types—from federal FAA facilities like ARTCCs and TRACONs to smaller contract towers—offer differing pay scales. While some may choose lower-paying positions with benefits, others may prioritize higher pay without insurance. Understanding the nuances of per diem air traffic controller pay in Bristol is essential for negotiating contracts and aligning workload expectations with financial goals, especially in the current climate where overtime is both prevalent and lucrative.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Bristol. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol 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