Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Racine, WI: $66.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Racine, WI runs $66.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,643 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Racine's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,192 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Racine, Wisconsin, air traffic controllers can expect an hourly median pay of $66.66, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This discrepancy illustrates the regional variance in compensation for controllers stationed in various environments, such as en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For part-time air traffic controllers or those working on a per-diem basis, this hourly rate translates into a substantial income, especially in high-pressure settings like radar consoles in dimly lit control rooms or in busy airport towers with panoramic views. Entry-level positions begin at approximately $38.66 per hour, while experienced controllers can earn as much as $98.21, reflecting a broad spectrum of opportunity in a field that demands both expertise and quick decision-making.
About the Racine 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) | $38.66 | $309.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.45 | $387.63 |
| Median (P50) | $66.66 | $533.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.32 | $682.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.21 | $785.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Racine
Based on $66.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.66/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Racine, WI can expect to earn approximately $138,653 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,992. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Racine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Racine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,666.41 | $11,554 | $138,653 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,599.85 | $6,933 | $83,192 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,066.56 | $4,622 | $55,461 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Racine) | $66.66 |
| 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 Racine, WI earn a median of $138,643 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.72% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,469.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.66/hr = $83,192/year (purchasing power: $89,071).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,653/year (purchasing power: $148,451).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Racine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Racine grew 20.4% from $53.98/hr (2019) to $64.99/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.37/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 Racine 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 Racine
When considering a part-time schedule, an air traffic controller working three days a week for a total of 24 hours will find their annual income reflecting the flexibility of their role, accumulating around $83,199. This contrasts sharply with the potential earnings of full-time controllers, who often capitalize on overtime opportunities, especially in understaffed facilities. Due to chronic shortages, many controllers find themselves working 50-60 hours per week, pushing annual earnings well above the base hourly pay through time-and-a-half overtime compensation, sometimes surpassing $100,000. The variation in pay also highlights a nuanced employer landscape: FAA en route centers, terminal facilities, and military installations offer different hourly rates, influenced by funding and operational demands. While some controllers choose lower-paying positions for the benefits of health insurance, others may prioritize income over benefits, creating a complex trade-off. For those negotiating in Racine, understanding these dynamics, including agency and contracting work options, can significantly impact earnings and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Racine, 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 Racine. 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 Racine 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