Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Woonsocket, RI: $70.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Woonsocket, RI runs $70.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,550 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Woonsocket's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,530 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woonsocket, Rhode Island, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $70.94 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive rate provides significant opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in various high-pressure settings, such as en route center radar consoles and ATC tower cabs with panoramic views of airport traffic. The hourly pay range starts at $41.51 for entry-level positions and can go as high as $101.54 for experienced controllers. Given that these figures are derived from annual salary data, such as the $147,550 median annual salary, potential workers can gauge their earnings based on the high demands of the role and the lengthy shifts that often come with this career.
About the Woonsocket 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) | $41.51 | $332.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.35 | $418.81 |
| Median (P50) | $70.94 | $567.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.38 | $707.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.54 | $812.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woonsocket
Based on $70.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.94/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woonsocket, RI can expect to earn approximately $147,550 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,125. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Woonsocket.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woonsocket
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,837.50 | $12,296 | $147,550 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,702.50 | $7,377 | $88,530 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,135.00 | $4,918 | $59,020 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Woonsocket) | $70.94 |
| 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 Woonsocket, RI earn a median of $147,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.85% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $152,585.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.94/hr = $88,530/year (purchasing power: $88,089).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,550/year (purchasing power: $146,816).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Woonsocket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Woonsocket grew 20.4% from $57.44/hr (2019) to $69.16/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.76/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 Woonsocket 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 Woonsocket
Focusing on part-time earning potential, an air traffic controller working three days a week for a total of 24 hours would still find the financial rewards appealing compared to a full-time schedule. The annual earnings for this part-time role could reach approximately $88,375, lower than full-time counterparts but still lucrative. Given the current staffing shortages, many air traffic controllers work overtime hours, which can elevate their effective hourly compensation significantly above base rates. It's not uncommon for controllers to earn additional pay through per-diem arrangements during facility training transfers or even work upwards of 50-60 hours a week, leading to substantial overtime. The various employer types — FAA ARTCC facilities, TRACONs, ATCTs, and contract towers — offer different compensation structures, with some sacrificing higher hourly pay for comprehensive health benefits. Negotiating effectively for rates and benefits tailored to individual needs can make a significant difference in overall job satisfaction and earnings in Woonsocket.
More salary data for Woonsocket, 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 Woonsocket. 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 Woonsocket 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