Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Providence, RI: $146,448 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in North Providence, RI earns a median $146,448/year (≈ $70.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in North Providence's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $145,719 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for an air traffic controller in North Providence, Rhode Island is projected to be a median annual salary of $146,448, reflecting the local cost of living adjustments based on state-level data. The full salary range spans from $84,940 at the 10th percentile to $207,531 at the 90th percentile. The pay structure is influenced by the facility tier: en route centers, such as those in the region, generally offer higher salaries compared to terminal operations and tower facilities. These variations can significantly impact earnings and career trajectory in North Providence's job market, providing both opportunities and challenges for controllers navigating the complexities of their positions in this dynamic field.
About the North Providence Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,940 | $40.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,760 | $51.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $146,448 | $70.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,680 | $89.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $207,531 | $99.77 |
Median Salary Position
3.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Providence
In North Providence, RI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,591 (2026 est.). At $146,448, the local median is 3.58% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Providence: You'd be above the median
How North Providence Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
North Providence median: $146,448/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Providence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $152,710 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -3.58% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in North Providence, RI earn a median of $146,448 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.58% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $152,710.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Providence has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $146,448 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $145,719 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,587
2025 BLS Actual
$142,779
2026 Current Est.
$146,448
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,587 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,751 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,105 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,516 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,462 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,168 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,779 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,448 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,212 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Providence metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $118,587 (2019) to $142,779 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,212 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,625 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Providence 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) | $84,940 – $106,760 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,760 – $146,448 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $146,448 – $186,680 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,680 – $207,531 |
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 Providence
With only six air traffic controllers currently employed in North Providence, the job market is relatively small. The cost-of-living index stands at 100.5, slightly above the national average, which affects take-home purchasing power for controllers. Among the various employers in the area, those associated with the FAA's branch of en route centers may offer the highest salaries, often surpassing those at terminal radar approach control facilities. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include the facility level, certification status, shift differentials, and overtime opportunities that can lead to substantial additional income. Strategies for maximizing pay in this specific market include pursuing higher tier assignments, obtaining Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, and taking advantage of opportunities for mandatory overtime, reflecting the ongoing staffing challenges within the industry.
More salary data for North Providence, 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 $142,779 for air traffic controllersin the North Providence 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 Providence 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