Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Newport, RI: $70.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Newport, RI runs $70.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,745 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Newport's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,043 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newport, Rhode Island, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $70.55, which is approximately 3.38% below the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This compensation allows for attractive earnings for part-time controllers, especially for those who might work three days a week. In typical work environments—such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport towers—controllers are engaged in managing vital air traffic flows. The hourly pay for a controller can range significantly, from $40.92 for entry-level positions up to $100.25 for the most experienced. Such a robust hourly structure is projected from annual salary estimates, enabling air traffic controllers in Newport to balance their time between full-time duties and more flexible, per-diem roles while also accommodating those who value varied work environments.
About the Newport 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) | $40.92 | $327.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.79 | $406.34 |
| Median (P50) | $70.55 | $564.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.10 | $720.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.25 | $802.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newport
Based on $70.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.55/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newport, RI can expect to earn approximately $146,739 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,657. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,821.91 | $12,228 | $146,739 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,693.14 | $7,337 | $88,043 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,128.76 | $4,891 | $58,696 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Newport) | $70.55 |
| 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 Newport, RI earn a median of $146,745 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.38% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $152,700.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.55/hr = $88,043/year (purchasing power: $87,605).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,739/year (purchasing power: $146,009).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Newport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Newport grew 20.4% from $57.13/hr (2019) to $68.78/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.36/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 Newport 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 Newport
The potential for part-time air traffic controllers is quite notable; those working a 24-hour schedule each week could take home substantial earnings, particularly when factoring in overtime incentives. Controllers, especially those at understaffed facilities, often work extended hours ranging from 50-60 hours a week. This creates an environment where overtime wages can boost overall compensation significantly, with effective pay reaching well above the base hourly rate due to additional earnings. Hourly rates also differ across employer types in Newport, where controllers may work for FAA en route centers, TRACONs, or airport towers, with pay scales reflecting the varying demands of each establishment. Some controllers opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while others may negotiate higher pay for per diem opportunities, notably as agency or locum work. For those navigating the employment landscape in Newport’s air traffic control sector, understanding these dynamics and making strategic choices about the employment context can lead to better compensation and work-life balance.
More salary data for Newport, 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
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 Newport. 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 Newport 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