Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Cranston, RI: $71.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Cranston, RI runs $71.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $149,311 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Cranston's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,592 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cranston, Rhode Island, air traffic controllers can expect an hourly median pay of $71.79, slightly below the national hourly median of $73.02. This hourly rate offers significant opportunities for both part-time workers and those seeking per-diem roles within various settings, such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. The hourly earnings for entry-level positions start around $41.63, while the top earners can make up to $107.15 per hour. These figures reflect estimates drawn from 2025 BLS data, projected forward, suggesting that while the pay is competitive, local economic factors and the demand for air traffic control positions play a considerable role in shaping overall compensation in Cranston.
About the Cranston 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) | $41.63 | $333.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.69 | $413.48 |
| Median (P50) | $71.79 | $574.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.88 | $735.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.15 | $857.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cranston
Based on $71.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.79/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cranston, RI can expect to earn approximately $149,321 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,146. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cranston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cranston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,871.55 | $12,443 | $149,321 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,722.93 | $7,466 | $89,592 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,148.62 | $4,977 | $59,728 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Cranston) | $71.79 |
| 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 Cranston, RI earn a median of $149,311 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the Rhode Island state average of $152,670.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.79/hr = $89,592/year (purchasing power: $89,147).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $149,321/year (purchasing power: $148,578).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cranston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Cranston grew 20.4% from $58.13/hr (2019) to $69.99/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.63/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 Cranston 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 Cranston
Part-time air traffic controllers working 24 hours a week could see their annual earnings significantly impacted compared to full-time colleagues, earning around $89,785 if maintaining consistent hours. Working overtime, a common reality for controllers in Cranston due to chronic understaffing, can elevate compensation levels substantially. Controllers frequently take on 50-60 hour workweeks, often racking up $50,000 to $100,000 in additional pay, particularly at FAA facilities or when providing per diem services during facility transfers. The hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type; for instance, those employed at FAA ARTCCs or TRACONs might find more robust benefits packages that can influence overall compensation. In this context, some controllers may prioritize positions with better health insurance over slightly higher pay without benefits. For hourly workers in Cranston, negotiating better terms can hinge on factors like previous experience, facility type, and the rarity of skills within the local workforce.
More salary data for Cranston, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Cranston in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Cranston?
Are air traffic controllers in Cranston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Cranston?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Cranston?
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
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 Cranston. 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 Cranston 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