Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Stevens Point, WI: $65.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Stevens Point, WI runs $65.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,242 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Stevens Point's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,144 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Stevens Point, Wisconsin, the projected median hourly pay for an air traffic controller stands at $65.02, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. This rate significantly impacts individuals working part-time, such as those on a three-day work week, as well as per-diem air traffic controllers. Given the nature of the job, controllers often find themselves at radar consoles in en route centers or managing air traffic in FAA airport towers with high vantage points. The hourly range for controllers locally spans from $37.71 for entry-level positions to $92.37 for those at the top of their field, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibilities. These rates are drawn from annual salary data and illustrate the essential financial dynamics for those considering a career in this high-stakes profession.
About the Stevens Point 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) | $37.71 | $301.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.64 | $381.15 |
| Median (P50) | $65.02 | $520.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.23 | $665.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.37 | $739.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stevens Point
Based on $65.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.02/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stevens Point, WI can expect to earn approximately $135,240 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,023. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Stevens Point.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stevens Point
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,600.76 | $11,270 | $135,240 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,560.46 | $6,762 | $81,144 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,040.31 | $4,508 | $54,096 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Stevens Point) | $65.02 |
| 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 Stevens Point, WI earn a median of $135,242 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.96% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,584.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.02/hr = $81,144/year (purchasing power: $86,878).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,240/year (purchasing power: $144,796).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Stevens Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Stevens Point grew 20.4% from $52.65/hr (2019) to $63.39/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.69/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 Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point
For part-time air traffic controllers in Stevens Point working a 24-hour week, the annual earnings can significantly vary when comparing to full-time positions. While full-timers benefit from consistent work hours and overtime opportunities, part-timers may experience a different financial landscape. Controllers frequently earn overtime at 1.5 times their base rate, resulting in substantial annual compensation that can exceed $50,000 entirely from additional hours. Moreover, the employment structure across different facilities presents a varied earning potential; those at FAA en route centers typically command higher hourly rates compared to positions at smaller contract towers. Some may opt for positions offering lower hourly pay, valuing the associated health benefits over increased hourly wages. It is advisable to negotiate effectively, especially for those entering the competitive job market in Stevens Point, balancing pay margins against benefits packages to secure the best overall compensation.
More salary data for Stevens Point, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Stevens Point in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Stevens Point?
Are air traffic controllers in Stevens Point paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Stevens Point?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Stevens Point?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Stevens Point. 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 Stevens Point 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