Air Traffic Controller Salary

Kenosha vs Marshfield: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

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

Kenosha, WI
$139,366
$67.00/hr
Marshfield, WI
$133,067
$63.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKenosha, WIMarshfield, WI
Median Salary$139,366$133,067
Hourly Rate$67.00$63.97
Entry Level (P10)$80,832$77,179
25th Percentile$102,189$95,809
75th Percentile$177,301$169,816
Top Earner (P90)$206,790$187,319
Total Employed254
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kenosha ($139,366) and Marshfield ($133,067) air traffic controller salaries.KenoshaMarshfieldMedian Salary$139,366$133,067Entry Level (P10)$80,832$77,179Top Earner (P90)$206,790$187,319US Median $151,886

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Kenosha and Marshfield is $6,299 (4.73%). 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 Kenosha spans $125,958,Marshfield spans $110,140. Kenosha has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kenosha
P10 (Entry)$80,832
P25$102,189
Median$139,366
P75$177,301
P90 (Top)$206,790
Marshfield
P10 (Entry)$77,179
P25$95,809
Median$133,067
P75$169,816
P90 (Top)$187,319

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kenosha ($149,214 effective) pays 4.73% more than Marshfield ($142,470 effective).

Kenosha
Nominal: $139,366
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $149,214
Marshfield
Nominal: $133,067
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $142,470

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Marshfield if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

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

Kenosha, WI

+14.6%

$118,570 (2024) → $135,874 (2025)

Marshfield, WI

+14.6%

$113,210 (2024) → $129,733 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Kenosha has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $139,366/year, compared to Marshfield at $133,067/year — a difference of $6,299 (4.73%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kenosha and Marshfield?

Kenosha air traffic controllers earn $67.00/hr while Marshfield hygienists earn $63.97/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kenosha and Marshfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kenosha = $149,214, Marshfield = $142,470), job availability (25 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $80,832 in Kenosha and $77,179 in Marshfield. 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