Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in La Crosse, WI: $65.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in La Crosse, WI runs $65.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,827 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against La Crosse's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,502 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Crosse, Wisconsin, air traffic controllers command a median hourly rate of $65.31, falling short of the national median of $73.02. This difference highlights the region's unique economic landscape. Controllers typically work from various settings, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers, where they manage air traffic across both local and national airspaces. For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week could translate to a significant earnings potential, allowing for flexible schedules while still enjoying a lucrative pay structure. The hourly range spans from approximately $37.88 for entry-level positions to about $93.74 for the most experienced controllers, making it a viable option for both newer professionals entering the field and seasoned veterans looking to capitalize on their years of service.
About the La Crosse 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) | $37.88 | $303.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.02 | $376.14 |
| Median (P50) | $65.31 | $522.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.52 | $668.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.74 | $749.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Crosse
Based on $65.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.31/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Crosse, WI can expect to earn approximately $135,837 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,368. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Crosse.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Crosse
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,612.25 | $11,320 | $135,837 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,567.35 | $6,792 | $81,502 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,044.90 | $4,528 | $54,335 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (La Crosse) | $65.31 |
| 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 La Crosse, WI earn a median of $135,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.57% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,463.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.31/hr = $81,502/year (purchasing power: $87,262).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,837/year (purchasing power: $145,436).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in La Crosse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in La Crosse grew 20.4% from $52.88/hr (2019) to $63.67/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.98/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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse
When evaluating earning potential, those taking on part-time roles may earn considerably less annually than their full-time counterparts. For instance, working just 24 hours a week, an air traffic controller in La Crosse could take home a respectable income but would fall short compared to those in full-time positions, particularly given the increasing demand for controllers amidst chronic staffing shortages. Moreover, per diem air traffic controller pay in La Crosse provides another avenue for income, especially as controllers often engage in overtime, which can escalate earnings substantially. Many controllers at FAA facilities work upwards of 50-60 hours a week, allowing them to collect significant overtime pay that can range wildly. Hourly rates can also fluctuate depending on employment type; while FAA facilities may offer more stable federal benefits, contract towers might compensate more per hour but without the same level of healthcare benefits. This complexity in choices means controllers must strategically consider their priorities, weighing hourly pay against the value of health insurance and job security tailored to their needs.
More salary data for La Crosse, 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 La Crosse. 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 La Crosse 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