Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mount Pleasant, WI: $78,940 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Mount Pleasant, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,940 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mount Pleasant's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,518 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,103) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as an air traffic controller in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, presents new graduates with an entry level air traffic controller salary of approximately $78,940 based on 2026 estimates. This figure is quite a bit lower than the city's median annual salary of $136,103, indicating that early-career professionals have room to grow as they gain experience and enhance their skills. Prospective controllers can expect to progress to a 25th percentile salary of $100,784 within their first few years. The growth trajectory for entry-level controllers suggests a solid pathway towards the median salary, making Mount Pleasant a viable market for recent graduates eager to enter the air traffic control profession.
About the Mount Pleasant Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mount Pleasant
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 Mount Pleasant
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Mount Pleasant, WI typically start between $78,940 and $100,784 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,699 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,103 — 10.39% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wisconsin of $35,000 represents just 44.34% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($78,940/year) in Mount Pleasant. 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 Mount Pleasant
- 1Research the Mount Pleasant market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $78,940 to $100,784, 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 Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mount Pleasant'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 Mount Pleasant is $107,699 ( 136.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,940, experienced hygienists can earn up to $186,639.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,060
2025 BLS Actual
$76,962
2026 Current Est.
$78,940
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mount Pleasant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,407 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,544 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,222 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,773 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,161 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,962 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,940 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,969 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Mount Pleasant, WI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,060 in 2019 to $76,962 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,969. New graduates entering the Mount Pleasant job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant
Opportunities for new air traffic controllers in Mount Pleasant primarily come from the FAA, which seeks candidates through various channels, such as off-the-street hiring and the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Applicants should be aware of eligibility requirements, including age limits and educational backgrounds, as these directly impact job prospects and starting salaries. To boost earning potential in Wisconsin, controlling candidates must navigate initial qualifications, such as the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and training at the FAA Academy. While the entry wages may initially appear modest, the long-term potential is significant, especially for those who aim for top-tier facilities where Certified Professional Controllers (CPCs) can earn base salaries exceeding $130,000. Furthermore, the challenges of staffing shortages and mandatory retirement at age 56 lend urgency to the hiring process, increasing the likelihood of lucrative opportunities in the near future.
More salary data for Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mount Pleasant 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