Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cranston, RI: $149,311 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Cranston, RI earns a median $149,311/year (≈ $71.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Cranston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $148,568 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $149,311 in 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Cranston, RI, reflects a competitive position within the regional job market. Controllers in this position can expect to earn between $86,601 and $222,886, depending on their experience and certification status. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, accounting for local economic conditions and cost-of-living adjustments. While salaries in Cranston slightly trail the national median of $151,886 by about 1.70%, the potential for growth in this role—estimated at an annual rate of 2.57%—makes it an attractive option for newly certified controllers and veterans alike. As development controllers transition to full CPC status, they can expect their compensation to increase significantly within just a few years.
About the Cranston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,601 | $41.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,504 | $51.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $149,311 | $71.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $191,119 | $91.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,886 | $107.15 |
Median Salary Position
1.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cranston
In Cranston, RI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $136,285 (2026 est.). At $149,311, the local median is 1.7% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cranston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cranston Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Cranston median: $149,311/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cranston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $152,670 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -1.70% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Cranston, RI earn a median of $149,311 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the Rhode Island state average of $152,670.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cranston has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cranston, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $149,311 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,568 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$120,905
2025 BLS Actual
$145,570
2026 Current Est.
$149,311
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cranston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,905 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,209 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,551 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,051 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,712 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,311 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,148 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cranston metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $120,905 (2019) to $145,570 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $153,148 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,243 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cranston 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $86,601 – $107,504 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,504 – $149,311 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $149,311 – $191,119 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $191,119 – $222,886 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Cranston
Currently, there are 12 air traffic controllers working in Cranston, indicating a stable job market in this sector. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 100.5, slightly above the national average, which impacts take-home pay and purchasing power. Among local employers, the FAA's en route centers tend to offer the highest compensation, and controllers at these facilities enjoy benefits such as shift differentials and overtime, which can significantly enhance overall earnings. Factors influencing the wide salary range include the facility type—en route positions generally pay more than terminal and tower jobs—as well as CPC certification and the corresponding developmental pay status. For those looking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Cranston, pursuing higher-tier positions and negotiating for available overtime can be advantageous strategies. Understanding the intricacies of pay structures and remaining current with FAA staffing needs will also enhance earning potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Cranston, 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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $145,570 for air traffic controllersin the Cranston metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cranston 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