Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Kenosha, WI: $67.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Kenosha, WI runs $67.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,366 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Kenosha's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,614 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $67.00, which falls below the national median of $73.02. This compensation reflects the typical work environment of controllers within the Federal Aviation Administration, where they manage air traffic from various settings—be it the radar consoles of en route centers, the bustling atmosphere of TRACON facilities, or the panoramic view from airport towers. For controllers working part-time, such as on a three-days-per-week schedule, this hourly rate translates into a viable income, allowing them to balance personal commitments while maintaining a robust professional presence. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $38.86 per hour, while more experienced controllers can reach rewards near $99.42 per hour, showcasing a significant earning potential for top-tier professionals in Kenosha.
About the Kenosha 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) | $38.86 | $310.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.13 | $393.05 |
| Median (P50) | $67.00 | $535.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.25 | $681.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.42 | $795.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kenosha
Based on $67.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.00/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kenosha, WI can expect to earn approximately $139,357 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,398. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kenosha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kenosha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,679.95 | $11,613 | $139,357 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,607.97 | $6,968 | $83,614 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,071.98 | $4,645 | $55,743 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Kenosha) | $67.00 |
| 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 Kenosha, WI earn a median of $139,366 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.24% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,490.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.00/hr = $83,614/year (purchasing power: $89,523).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,357/year (purchasing power: $149,205).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Kenosha grew 20.4% from $54.25/hr (2019) to $65.32/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.72/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 Kenosha 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 Kenosha
Part-time controllers working a consistent schedule of 24 hours a week can expect to bring home an annual income of around $83,488, significantly lower than a full-time counterpart in the same position. The opportunity for per diem air traffic controller pay in Kenosha also adds a layer of flexibility, with many controllers seeking agency roles that allow them to negotiate their rates, especially during training at different facilities. It's not uncommon for those working in facility transfer training to earn a premium, and the option of overtime in understaffed locations can elevate total earnings significantly; controllers often find themselves on the job for 50 to 60 hours a week, boosting their effective hourly compensation well beyond base rates. Different types of employers, from FAA en route centers to contract towers, can influence pay structures, with some locations offering better benefits at a lower wage versus a higher hourly rate without perks. For many, the choice boils down to personal priorities—whether to accept lower hourly rates for security benefits or aim for higher rates with fewer guarantees. Negotiating effectively, particularly around overtime and shift differentials, is vital for maximizing earnings potential in the air traffic controller role in Kenosha.
More salary data for Kenosha, 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
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 Kenosha. 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 Kenosha 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