Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Manitowoc, WI: $64.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Manitowoc, WI runs $64.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,391 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Manitowoc's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,632 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the hourly pay for air traffic controllers is projected at $64.61 for 2026, placing it below the national average of $73.02. This difference highlights how professionals in Manitowoc might see varying financial outcomes depending on whether they work full-time, part-time, or on a per-diem basis. For those working three days a week, the hourly pay translates to a reliable income while allowing for flexible scheduling. Air traffic controllers in the region operate in environments such as radar consoles within en route centers, busy airport control tower cabs, and TRACON facilities, all integral to maintaining air traffic safety. The hourly range for these professionals spans from $37.48 for entry-level positions to $91.16 for experienced controllers, reflecting their varying roles and responsibilities.
About the Manitowoc 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) | $37.48 | $299.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.85 | $374.83 |
| Median (P50) | $64.61 | $516.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.70 | $661.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.16 | $729.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manitowoc
Based on $64.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.61/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manitowoc, WI can expect to earn approximately $134,386 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,531. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Manitowoc.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manitowoc
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,584.35 | $11,199 | $134,386 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,550.61 | $6,719 | $80,632 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,033.74 | $4,480 | $53,755 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Manitowoc) | $64.61 |
| 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 Manitowoc, WI earn a median of $134,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.52% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.40% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,577.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.61/hr = $80,632/year (purchasing power: $86,330).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,386/year (purchasing power: $143,883).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Manitowoc grew 20.4% from $52.32/hr (2019) to $62.99/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.27/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 Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
Focusing on the earnings potential, a part-time air traffic controller in Manitowoc who works for 24 hours a week can expect to take home considerably less than their full-time counterparts, who often accrue benefits while enjoying higher overall earnings. Many controllers, particularly those in understaffed environments, frequently take on overtime that pays at 1.5 times the base rate. This could significantly elevate their effective hourly compensation, with some earning $50,000 to $100,000 more annually through overtime alone. In Manitowoc, the type of employer can also affect hourly pay; FAA en route centers and airport control towers may offer varying compensation. While controllers in federal positions enjoy health insurance, those at private contract facilities might opt for higher hourly pay without benefits. For those seeking roles, effective negotiation can hinge on understanding these trade-offs, emphasizing the financial security that comes with stability in a federal role versus the allure of supplemental earnings in the contracting sphere.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Manitowoc in 2026?
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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 Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc 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