Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Warwick, RI: $63.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Warwick, RI runs $63.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,173 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Warwick's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,301 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Warwick, Rhode Island, command a median hourly rate of $63.54, which is notably below the national median of $73.02. This pay structure reflects the economic realities of working at various control facilities—whether it be at en route center radar consoles, busy TRACONs, or airport traffic control towers. For those considering part-time opportunities, working three days a week translates to manageable earnings while still maintaining a work-life balance. The range for hourly pay in Warwick extends from $36.85 at the entry-level to as high as $92.76 for experienced professionals. These estimates derive from projected annual salaries and indicate a significant potential for both per-diem opportunities and stable part-time roles in this high-demand field.
About the Warwick 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) | $36.85 | $294.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.76 | $366.05 |
| Median (P50) | $63.54 | $508.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.34 | $650.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.76 | $742.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Warwick
Based on $63.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.54/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Warwick, RI can expect to earn approximately $132,168 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,251. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Warwick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Warwick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,541.68 | $11,014 | $132,168 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,525.01 | $6,608 | $79,301 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,016.67 | $4,406 | $52,867 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Warwick) | $63.54 |
| 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 Warwick, RI earn a median of $132,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.98% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 13.40% below the Rhode Island state average of $152,624.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.54/hr = $79,301/year (purchasing power: $78,906).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,168/year (purchasing power: $131,510).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Warwick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Warwick grew 20.4% from $51.45/hr (2019) to $61.95/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.18/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 Warwick 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 Warwick
To better understand the dynamics of air traffic controller hourly pay in Warwick, it's essential to consider the part-time earning potential. A controller working just 24 hours weekly could take home a substantial annual income, albeit less than full-time counterparts. In addition to base pay, many controllers receive considerable overtime compensation, sometimes effectively raising their hourly earnings far above the initial rate. Agency and contract arrangements, particularly during airport transfers, allow for negotiation on per diem pay, adding flexibility to compensation packages. Meanwhile, hourly rates can vary significantly based on employer type—for instance, controllers at FAA ARTCCs typically enjoy greater pay due to the volume of high-altitude traffic, contrasting with smaller airport contract towers. Finally, prospective workers should weigh the benefits of reduced pay with health insurance against higher rates minus benefits, while skills negotiating within Warwick's competitive market can yield favorable terms for both new hires and seasoned controllers alike.
More salary data for Warwick, 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 Warwick. 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 Warwick 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