Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Providence, RI: $62.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Providence, RI runs $62.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,546 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.8, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $61.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,726 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Providence, Rhode Island, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $62.28, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This difference can affect the earning potential for those working part-time or as per-diem professionals. Controllers operate in various settings, including windowless control rooms, TRACON facilities, and airport towers, where they are responsible for managing air traffic efficiently. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in Providence spans from $30.43 for entry-level positions to $74.06 for top earners, highlighting the potential for significant income based on experience and facility type. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data emphasizes this information, making it vital for prospective controllers to understand the local pay structure.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.43 | $243.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.33 | $346.60 |
| Median (P50) | $62.28 | $498.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.06 | $592.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.06 | $592.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Providence
Based on $62.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.28/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $129,543 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,737. With a cost-of-living index of 101.77 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,491.22 | $10,795 | $129,543 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,494.73 | $6,477 | $77,726 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $996.49 | $4,318 | $51,817 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Providence) | $62.28 |
| 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 Providence, RI earn a median of $129,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.71% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 15.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $152,586.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.28/hr = $77,726/year (purchasing power: $76,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,543/year (purchasing power: $127,287).
CoL index: 101.773 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Providence grew 20.4% from $50.43/hr (2019) to $60.72/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.88/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 Providence 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 Providence
For a part-time air traffic controller working three days a week, or roughly 24 hours, annual income can be substantially different from full-time positions, with potential earnings reflecting only those hours worked. Overtime is a significant factor in this field, with many controllers at understaffed facilities putting in 50-60 hours weekly, which can drastically increase overall compensation. Although per-diem air traffic controller pay in Providence can be lucrative during training or transitional periods, it may lack the benefits package that full-time positions offer. Controllers at various facilities, such as FAA en route centers or smaller FAA contract towers, may negotiate rates depending on the employer type, with many opting for lower hourly rates in exchange for health coverage. Practical negotiation strategies, especially in a city like Providence where compensation can vary greatly, can help achieve a more favorable hourly rate while considering the benefits that align with individual needs.
More salary data for Providence, 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 Providence. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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