Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in West Allis, WI: $67.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in West Allis, WI runs $67.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,635 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against West Allis's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,382 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in West Allis, Wisconsin, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $67.61, which falls short of the national hourly median of $73.02. The hourly earnings structure here can be quite advantageous, especially for part-time workers who might find themselves working three days a week. For those controllers, the dynamics of their work environment—ranging from the en route center radar consoles in windowless control rooms to bustling airport traffic control towers—can drive varied compensation based on hours worked. Entry-level positions start around $39.21 per hour, and established professionals can command rates up to $97.43, showcasing a robust pay spectrum that reflects experience and responsibility within this critical industry.
About the West Allis 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) | $39.21 | $313.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.68 | $389.44 |
| Median (P50) | $67.61 | $540.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.55 | $692.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.43 | $779.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Allis
Based on $67.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.61/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Allis, WI can expect to earn approximately $140,637 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,137. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Allis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Allis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,704.57 | $11,720 | $140,637 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,622.74 | $7,032 | $84,382 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,081.83 | $4,688 | $56,255 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (West Allis) | $67.61 |
| 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 West Allis, WI earn a median of $140,635 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.41% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.10% above the Wisconsin state average of $140,494.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.61/hr = $84,382/year (purchasing power: $90,345).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,637/year (purchasing power: $150,575).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in West Allis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in West Allis grew 20.4% from $54.75/hr (2019) to $65.92/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.35/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 West Allis 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 West Allis
Looking at the potential annual earnings, a part-time air traffic controller in West Allis working 24 hours a week could net about $84,000, a substantial amount considering its lessened commitment compared to full-time hours. Those seeking per diem opportunities may find that rates vary based on the nature of the work and facility—in particular, certain facilities might offer overtime opportunities that significantly boost effective compensation. Controllers often find that those working at FAA en route centers or terminal approach facilities experience different pay scales based on demand and type of air traffic management. While some may choose to accept a lower hourly rate for the benefits package involved, others prioritize higher pay and forgo benefits. Negotiation strategies are crucial in this context, especially when discussing compensation with employers ranging from the FAA to civilian contractors managing smaller airports.
More salary data for West Allis, 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 West Allis. 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 West Allis 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