Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Janesville, WI: $65.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Janesville, WI runs $65.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,883 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Janesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,528 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Janesville, Wisconsin, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is $65.33, which falls below the national hourly median of $73.02. These figures suggest that while a career in air traffic control can be lucrative, the specific conditions in Janesville may impact earnings compared to other areas. The range for air traffic controller hourly pay varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $37.89 and experienced controllers earning up to $96.21 per hour. For those considering part-time work or per-diem roles, this hourly rate presents an enticing option, especially when working in various environments such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. These roles often come with different operational rhythms, but they share the common requirement for precision and focus.
About the Janesville Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.89 | $303.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.04 | $376.31 |
| Median (P50) | $65.33 | $522.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.63 | $669.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.21 | $769.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Janesville
Based on $65.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.33/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Janesville, WI can expect to earn approximately $135,880 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,392. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Janesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Janesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,613.07 | $11,323 | $135,880 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,567.84 | $6,794 | $81,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,045.23 | $4,529 | $54,352 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Janesville) | $65.33 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Janesville, WI earn a median of $135,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.54% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,520.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.33/hr = $81,528/year (purchasing power: $87,289).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,880/year (purchasing power: $145,482).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Janesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Janesville grew 20.4% from $52.90/hr (2019) to $63.69/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.01/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Janesville 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Janesville
Analyzing the potential earnings for a part-time air traffic controller in Janesville who works three days a week reveals a significant contrast to full-time compensation. Based on a 24-hour workweek, this part-time controller can expect annual earnings to be approximately $102,479, which illustrates how flexible work arrangements can still yield a respectable income in this profession. Additionally, per-diem or agency roles can offer unique opportunities for controllers who prefer short-term positions, where overtime plays a substantial role in income. Many controllers work additional hours, often exceeding 50 or 60 hours a week, driving effective compensation levels well above base pay, particularly in understaffed facilities. Various employer types affect hourly rates; for instance, FAA en route centers and ATCTs may offer different pay structures than military or contract towers. Negotiating for hourly workers in this environment can hinge on the balance between higher pay with fewer benefits or lower pay with comprehensive coverage, a crucial factor in making career decisions for controllers in Janesville.
More salary data for Janesville, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Janesville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Janesville 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