Air Traffic Controller Salary

Janesville vs Kenosha: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between Janesville, WI and Kenosha, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Janesville, WI
$135,883
$65.33/hr
Kenosha, WI
$139,366
$67.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJanesville, WIKenosha, WI
Median Salary$135,883$139,366
Hourly Rate$65.33$67.00
Entry Level (P10)$78,812$80,832
25th Percentile$97,835$102,189
75th Percentile$173,930$177,301
Top Earner (P90)$200,122$206,790
Total Employed1625
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Janesville ($135,883) and Kenosha ($139,366) air traffic controller salaries.JanesvilleKenoshaMedian Salary$135,883$139,366Entry Level (P10)$78,812$80,832Top Earner (P90)$200,122$206,790US Median $151,886

Verdict

Kenosha, WI offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Janesville.

The salary gap between Janesville and Kenosha is $3,483 (2.56%). Kenosha's median is -8.24% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Janesville spans $121,310,Kenosha spans $125,958. Kenosha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.

Janesville
P10 (Entry)$78,812
P25$97,835
Median$135,883
P75$173,930
P90 (Top)$200,122
Kenosha
P10 (Entry)$80,832
P25$102,189
Median$139,366
P75$177,301
P90 (Top)$206,790

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kenosha ($149,214 effective) pays 2.56% more than Janesville ($145,485 effective).

Janesville
Nominal: $135,883
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $145,485
Kenosha
Nominal: $139,366
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $149,214

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Janesville if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Kenosha if…

  • Higher median salary ($139,366/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($206,790)
  • Larger job market (25 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,214)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Janesville grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Kenosha over the same period.

Janesville, WI

+14.6%

$115,606 (2024) → $132,478 (2025)

Kenosha, WI

+14.6%

$118,570 (2024) → $135,874 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Janesville or Kenosha?

Kenosha has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $139,366/year, compared to Janesville at $135,883/year — a difference of $3,483 (2.56%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Janesville and Kenosha?

Janesville air traffic controllers earn $65.33/hr while Kenosha hygienists earn $67.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Janesville to Kenosha as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Janesville and Kenosha. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Janesville = $145,485, Kenosha = $149,214), job availability (16 vs 25 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Janesville vs Kenosha?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $78,812 in Janesville and $80,832 in Kenosha. The Kenosha area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov