Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Middleton, WI: $62.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Middleton, WI runs $62.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,918 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Middleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,956 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middleton, Wisconsin, an air traffic controller earns a median hourly rate of $62.47, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02 per hour. For those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek, this rate translates to approximately $53,000 annually, a figure that might appeal to individuals seeking to balance work and personal life. Per-diem workers also play a role in this environment, typically found at FAA en route centers and TRACON facilities, where they manage traffic in high-stakes settings. The hourly pay range starts at around $36.34 for entry-level positions and can reach as high as $87.27 for experienced professionals, particularly those obtaining positions at major airports or in specialized military operations. This information highlights that the projected pay for air traffic controllers is on par with local standards but reflects the need for controllers to consider their working environments and potential earnings as they navigate their careers.
About the Middleton 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) | $36.34 | $290.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.83 | $366.63 |
| Median (P50) | $62.47 | $499.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.31 | $634.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.27 | $698.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middleton
Based on $62.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.47/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $129,927 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,958. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Middleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,498.61 | $10,827 | $129,927 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,499.16 | $6,496 | $77,956 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $999.44 | $4,331 | $51,971 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Middleton) | $62.47 |
| 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 Middleton, WI earn a median of $129,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.46% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,452.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.47/hr = $77,956/year (purchasing power: $83,465).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,927/year (purchasing power: $139,109).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Middleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Middleton grew 20.4% from $50.58/hr (2019) to $60.90/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.07/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 Middleton 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 Middleton
Examining the earning potential for a part-time air traffic controller working a compressed schedule of 24 hours a week shows that they could earn about $53,000, which generally provides a steady income, though it is below full-time counterparts who may see significantly larger figures due to overtime opportunities. With persistent staffing shortages at various facilities, many air traffic controllers work an extra 10 to 20 hours weekly, often leading to annual earnings surpassing $100,000 when considering overtime pay. This reality also extends to per-diem arrangements, where rates can be negotiable, depending on the specific positions or assignments. Hourly pay can also differ based on the entity one is employed with, as FAA-controlled facilities generally pay more consistently than contracting firms. In this competitive job market, controllers sometimes face choices between lower hourly rates with benefits or higher pay without health insurance, making it crucial to negotiate based on individual priorities. Understanding these dynamics in Middleton, WI, can significantly aid in making informed career decisions in air traffic control.
More salary data for Middleton, 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 Middleton. 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 Middleton 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