Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Kingstown, RI: $146,401 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in North Kingstown, RI earns a median $146,401/year (≈ $70.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in North Kingstown's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $145,673 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an average annual pay of $146,401 for air traffic controllers in North Kingstown, Rhode Island aligns closely with local economic conditions while reflecting a slightly lower figure compared to the national average of $151,886. The local salary range is significant, spanning from $84,913 at the 10th percentile to $207,009 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data, consider regional price adjustments. While the compensation might initially appear modest in contrast to larger metropolitan areas, the well-defined pathways for certification serve as an economic advantage. Those starting through the developmental controller phase can ultimately achieve full pay within one to three years, contributing to a robust job outlook in North Kingstown's air traffic control sector.
About the North Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,913 | $40.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,669 | $51.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $146,401 | $70.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,676 | $89.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $207,009 | $99.52 |
Median Salary Position
3.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Kingstown
In North Kingstown, RI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,096 (2026 est.). At $146,401, the local median is 3.61% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Kingstown: You'd be above the median
How North Kingstown Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
North Kingstown median: $146,401/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Kingstown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $152,660 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -3.61% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in North Kingstown, RI earn a median of $146,401 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.61% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $152,660.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Kingstown has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Kingstown, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $146,401 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $145,673 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,549
2025 BLS Actual
$142,733
2026 Current Est.
$146,401
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,549 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,711 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,065 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,475 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,419 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,126 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,401 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,164 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Kingstown metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $118,549 (2019) to $142,733 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,164 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,615 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Kingstown 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) | $84,913 – $106,669 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,669 – $146,401 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $146,401 – $186,676 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,676 – $207,009 |
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 North Kingstown
With only four air traffic controllers currently employed in North Kingstown, the local job market presents unique challenges and opportunities. The cost of living index at 100.5 suggests a slightly elevated cost compared to the national average, which may impact the overall purchasing power of controllers in the area. For those considering positions with the FAA, opportunities are typically highest within en route centers, which often offer more competitive compensation than terminal facilities or control towers. Factors such as facility level, certification status, shift differentials, and overtime availability will influence salary variation within the market. To maximize earnings in North Kingstown, candidates should prioritize en route centers while seeking opportunities for overtime and considering continuous professional development to expedite their transition to fully certified controllers.
More salary data for North Kingstown, 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 $142,733 for air traffic controllersin the North Kingstown 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 North Kingstown 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