Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rhode Island: $141,422 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Rhode Island's 17 metropolitan areas, the average median air traffic controller pay sits at $141,422/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 53-2021. Because Rhode Island sits at BEA RPP 100.5 (1% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $140,718 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Pawtucket ($148,658), East Providence ($147,514), West Warwick ($147,121).
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Rhode Island can expect an average median salary of $141,422, which is approximately 6.9% lower than the national median of $151,886. The highest-paying city in the state is Pawtucket at $152,479, while Providence offers the lowest salaries for this profession at $129,546, creating a salary gap of $22,933. Factors contributing to this difference include local demand for air traffic services, cost of living variances, and the presence of regional airports. The state has specific licensing requirements and regulations governing air traffic control operations, which professionals must navigate to ensure compliance. The projected job market for air traffic controllers in Rhode Island is stable, with a growth rate of 2.57% annual Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). This outlook is consistent with national employment trends and suggests a steady demand for skilled controllers. The top five cities expected to offer competitive salaries include East Providence at $151,305, West Warwick at $150,902, Coventry at $150,191, and Cranston at $149,311. These figures reflect the ongoing need for qualified air traffic personnel in the state as it continues to support air travel and safety.
Rhode Island Air Traffic Controller Salary Range
Overall salary range in Rhode Island: $63,296 (lowest entry-level) to $228,834 (highest top earner)
Rhode Island vs National Average
Rhode Island air traffic controllers earn 6.89% less than the national median ($-10,464/year difference).
Rhode Island Air Traffic Controller Salary Distribution (2026)
Air Traffic Controller salaries in Rhode Island range from $78,865 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $193,908 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $141,422. The Rhode Island median is $10,464 below the US national median of $151,886. The average hourly rate is $67.99/hr. Approximately 179 air traffic controllers are employed across 17 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$114,517
2025 BLS Actual
$137,879
2026 Current Est.
$141,422
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Rhode Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,517 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,435 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,811 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,139 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,274 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,879 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,422 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,057 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rhode Island metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $114,517 (2019) to $137,879 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,057 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,540 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rhode Island 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Rhode Island
Lowest Paying Cities in Rhode Island
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Providence | $129,546 |
| Warwick | $132,173 |
| Central Falls | $140,840 |
| Westerly | $142,551 |
| Bristol | $144,502 |
Best Value Cities for Air Traffic Controllers in Rhode Island
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Rhode Island cities offer the most purchasing power for air traffic controllers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket | $152,479 | 100.5 | $151,720 |
| East Providence | $151,305 | 100.5 | $150,552 |
| West Warwick | $150,902 | 100.5 | $150,151 |
| Coventry | $150,191 | 100.5 | $149,444 |
| Cranston | $149,311 | 100.5 | $148,568 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $78,865 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $141,422 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $193,908 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Rhode Island metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 17 Cities in Rhode Island
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pawtucket | $152,479 |
| 2 | East Providence | $151,305 |
| 3 | West Warwick | $150,902 |
| 4 | Coventry | $150,191 |
| 5 | Cranston | $149,311 |
| 6 | Johnston | $147,610 |
| 7 | Woonsocket | $147,550 |
| 8 | Newport | $146,745 |
| 9 | North Providence | $146,448 |
| 10 | North Kingstown | $146,401 |
| 11 | Cumberland | $145,276 |
| 12 | South Kingstown | $144,897 |
| 13 | Bristol | $144,502 |
| 14 | Westerly | $142,551 |
| 15 | Central Falls | $140,840 |
| 16 | Warwick | $132,173 |
| 17 | Providence | $129,546 |
More Rhode Island Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore air traffic controller hourly pay in Rhode Island cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new air traffic controllers.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced air traffic controllers.
Explore More Air Traffic Controller Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Rhode Island in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for air traffic controllers in Rhode Island?
How does Rhode Island air traffic controller pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level air traffic controller salary in Rhode Island?
How many air traffic controllers are employed in Rhode Island?
Which Rhode Island city offers the best value for air traffic controllers?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 air traffic controller compensation across Rhode Island. State averages are employment-weighted across 17 metro areas — larger metro areas with more air traffic controllerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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