Air Traffic Controller Salary in Providence, RI: $129,546 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Providence, RI earns a median $129,546/year (≈ $62.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Providence's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.8), that paycheck buys what $127,289 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Providence, Rhode Island, air traffic controllers have a median annual salary of $129,546, which is notably lower than the national median of $151,886 for 2026. The salary range for this position in the area spans from $63,296 at the 10th percentile to $154,040 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying levels of experience and different job responsibilities. This salary data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlights how many of the 50 controllers employed in Providence may find themselves working 50-60 hour weeks to compensate for chronic understaffing. Such extensive hours can significantly enhance overall earnings through overtime, making effective compensation more favorable despite the city’s comparatively lower wage structure.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,296 | $30.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,118 | $43.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,546 | $62.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,040 | $74.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,040 | $74.06 |
Median Salary Position
14.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Providence
In Providence, RI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,744 (2026 est.). At $129,546, the local median is 14.71% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Providence: You'd be above the median
How Providence Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Providence median: $129,546/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Providence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $152,586 | -15.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -14.71% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Providence, RI earn a median of $129,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.71% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 15.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $152,586.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Providence has a cost of living 1.77% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 101.773 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,546 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $127,289 — a 1.74% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,900
2025 BLS Actual
$126,300
2026 Current Est.
$129,546
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,237 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,666 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,798 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,546 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,875 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Providence metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $104,900 (2019) to $126,300 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,875 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,975 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the 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) | $63,296 – $90,118 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,118 – $129,546 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,546 – $154,040 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,040 – $154,040 |
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 Providence
With a cost-of-living index of 101.773, controllers in Providence must navigate local economic conditions that can potentiate how much of their salary translates into real purchasing power. The strongest employers in the area typically include FAA facilities, such as terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and airport traffic control towers. Pay disparities often arise from the facility tier level, with en route centers generally offering the highest compensation, followed by terminal and tower facilities. Controllers certified as CPCs can access developmental pay rates significantly higher than their developmental counterparts. Strategies for maximizing pay include seeking additional certification, opting for night or holiday shifts that attract premium rates, and capitalizing on mandatory overtime. Understanding how air traffic controller pay in Providence RI aligns with regional demands can greatly influence your earnings potential in this profession.
More salary data for 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 $126,300 for air traffic controllersin the 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
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