Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Franklin, WI: $78,352 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Franklin, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,352 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,889 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,090) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting an air traffic control career in Franklin, WI, can be promising for new graduates. The entry-level air traffic controller salary in Franklin is projected to begin at $78,352 in 2026, establishing a significant gap from the city’s median salary of $135,090. For those just starting in this field, the initial years can feel like a climb, with realistic financial growth opportunities as they advance from P10 earnings to the P25 level of $97,265 within a few years. Additionally, with a growth rate of 2.57% projected annually, this role offers a solid trajectory, making Franklin a viable job market for newly minted air traffic controllers.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Franklin, WI typically start between $78,352 and $97,265 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,271 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,090 — 11.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wisconsin of $35,000 represents just 44.67% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($78,352/year) in Franklin. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $78,352 to $97,265, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Franklin, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Franklin is $113,271 ( 144.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,352, experienced hygienists can earn up to $191,623.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,560
2025 BLS Actual
$76,389
2026 Current Est.
$78,352
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,876 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,018 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,684 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,217 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,389 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,352 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,366 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, WI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,560 in 2019 to $76,389 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,366. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Franklin
Opportunities for entry-level candidates are present in Franklin, especially with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) actively recruiting from various pipelines. New applicants typically enter through the FAA’s public bid windows or the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) with select universities, while military veterans may benefit from pathways designed for them. Essential credentials include U.S. citizenship, meeting age requirements, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Completing the Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City lays a foundation for progression to a fully certified professional controller (CPC) within 1-3 years, where one can expect salary increases as staffing shortages drive overtime opportunities. Given the tactical nature of air traffic control, there are not only rewards in pay for diligent controllers, but also a sense of fulfillment in a profession that maintains a vital part of aviation safety.
More salary data for Franklin, WI:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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