Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Mount Pleasant, WI: $65.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Mount Pleasant, WI runs $65.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,103 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Mount Pleasant's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,656 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $65.43, which is lower than the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects the local demand and cost of living, which stands at a cost of living index of 93.4, below the national average. For part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week, this translates to a potentially significant income but could limit overall earnings compared to full-time roles. The hourly wage spectrum also shows a range from $37.95 for entry-level positions to $89.73 for top earners in the field. Controllers typically operate from various environments, including radar facilities and traffic management cells, where their compensation is crucial for both scheduled and per-diem work, as they navigate a challenging yet rewarding career path.
About the Mount Pleasant 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) | $37.95 | $303.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.45 | $387.63 |
| Median (P50) | $65.43 | $523.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.74 | $653.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.73 | $717.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Pleasant
Based on $65.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.43/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Pleasant, WI can expect to earn approximately $136,093 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,515. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Pleasant.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Pleasant
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,617.18 | $11,341 | $136,093 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,570.31 | $6,805 | $81,656 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,046.87 | $4,536 | $54,437 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Mount Pleasant) | $65.43 |
| 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 Mount Pleasant, WI earn a median of $136,103 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.39% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,457.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.43/hr = $81,656/year (purchasing power: $87,426).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,093/year (purchasing power: $145,710).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mount Pleasant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Mount Pleasant grew 20.4% from $52.98/hr (2019) to $63.79/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.11/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 Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant
Part-time air traffic controllers working in Mount Pleasant, operating on a 3-day work week, can expect to take home approximately $81,877 annually based on their hourly earnings. On the other hand, full-time positions can include various employment types that heavily influence overall pay rates. For instance, many controllers at FAA facilities often work substantial overtime—sometimes 50-60 hours a week—driving annual earnings that can surpass $100,000 with additional compensation. As a result, per-diem air traffic controller pay can become quite lucrative, particularly during training sessions or agency assignments, with the potential for negotiating rates. The type of employer significantly affects hourly compensation, with FAA en route centers generally offering higher pay compared to regional control towers or contract facilities, though the trade-off of health insurance and other benefits is a vital consideration. Knowledge of the facility tier system and effective negotiation skills can greatly assist controllers in securing favorable contracts in Mount Pleasant.
More salary data for Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant. 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 Mount Pleasant 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