Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in New Berlin, WI: $79,869 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the New Berlin, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,869 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out New Berlin's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,513 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($137,706) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the air traffic control profession in New Berlin, Wisconsin, can expect to start their careers with a salary around $79,869 in 2026. This starting air traffic controller salary in New Berlin is significantly lower than the city median annual pay of $137,706, creating a noticeable gap that aspiring controllers should be aware of. Over the first few years, salaries can progress, moving from the entry-level range towards the 25th percentile, which is projected at $100,884. For new grads, New Berlin presents a reasonable market to kick off their careers, especially with a growth trajectory of 2.57% anticipated annually over the next five years.
About the New Berlin Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in New Berlin
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 New Berlin
Entry-level air traffic controllers in New Berlin, WI typically start between $79,869 and $100,884 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,936 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $137,706 — 9.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wisconsin of $35,000 represents just 43.82% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($79,869/year) in New Berlin. 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 New Berlin
- 1Research the New Berlin market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $79,869 to $100,884, 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 New Berlin, 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 New Berlin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5New Berlin'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 New Berlin is $120,936 ( 151.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,869, experienced hygienists can earn up to $200,805.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,849
2025 BLS Actual
$77,868
2026 Current Est.
$79,869
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in New Berlin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,849 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,248 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,072 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,654 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,952 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,868 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,869 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,922 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in New Berlin, WI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,849 in 2019 to $77,868 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,922. New graduates entering the New Berlin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Berlin 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 New Berlin
Employment opportunities in New Berlin primarily come from the FAA, which periodically recruits for new controllers through public bid windows, often allowing applicants under 31 unless they are veterans. Graduates connecting through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program can enhance their employability by obtaining relevant credentials. Beyond the required U.S. citizenship and age qualification, having a bachelor's degree or significant work experience will further boost starting pay. Those who successfully pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and complete training at the FAA Academy can expect their salaries to grow steadily. Given that controllers are classified on the FG pay scale as federal employees, there’s potential for earnings to reach considerably higher levels depending on the facility tier. The top-tier en route facilities, for instance, see earnings rise significantly, making early-career growth potential quite appealing in New Berlin and beyond.
More salary data for New Berlin, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in New Berlin in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in New Berlin?
Is aviation school worth it in New Berlin?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in New Berlin?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Wisconsin?
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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 New Berlin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for New Berlin 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