Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Stevens Point, WI: $78,440 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Stevens Point, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,440 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stevens Point's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,983 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,242) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates seeking a position as an air traffic controller in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, the starting air traffic controller salary sits at approximately $78,440 in 2026. This entry-level figure reflects a substantial gap when compared to the projected median annual salary of $135,242 for all controllers in the city. Newcomers to the field can expect to grow their earnings as they gain experience, moving through salary bands towards the $99,105 mark by reaching the 25th percentile within the first few years. Given the current job market and demand for controllers, Stevens Point represents a reasonable opportunity for aspiring new grads in the aviation sector, especially with the anticipated growth rate of 2.57% annually for the profession.
About the Stevens Point Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stevens Point
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 Stevens Point
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Stevens Point, WI typically start between $78,440 and $99,105 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,692 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,242 — 10.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wisconsin of $35,000 represents just 44.62% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($78,440/year) in Stevens Point. 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 Stevens Point
- 1Research the Stevens Point market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $78,440 to $99,105, 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 Stevens Point, 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 Stevens Point for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stevens Point'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 Stevens Point is $113,692 ( 144.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,440, experienced hygienists can earn up to $192,132.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,635
2025 BLS Actual
$76,475
2026 Current Est.
$78,440
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Stevens Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,635 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,955 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,097 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,765 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,735 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,475 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,440 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,456 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Stevens Point, WI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,635 in 2019 to $76,475 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,456. New graduates entering the Stevens Point job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point
In Stevens Point, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for hiring entry-level air traffic controllers, utilizing both the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and public bid windows. New applicants must meet specific criteria—including US citizenship and a maximum age limit of 31, unless they are military veterans. Those entering the workforce should consider enhancing their employability through the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and by completing the Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. The career trajectory can become more lucrative with experience, particularly as top-tier en route facilities often pay significantly higher salaries—potentially ranging from $130,000 to over $180,000 for certified professional controllers. Establishing a strong network within organizations like NATCA can also facilitate professional growth. New controllers in Stevens Point can anticipate a steady rise in their earnings over the first few years, provided they navigate the early stages effectively and remain adaptable in a field marked by chronic staffing shortages.
More salary data for Stevens Point, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Stevens Point in 2026?
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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 Stevens Point. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stevens Point 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