Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in West Bend, WI: $66.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in West Bend, WI runs $66.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,078 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against West Bend's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,846 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Bend, Wisconsin, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $66.38 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This pay translates into a solid earning potential for both full-time and part-time controllers, especially for those working at different facility types such as en route centers and airport traffic control towers. Part-time roles, typically comprised of three days a week, provide crucial flexibility, allowing controllers to maintain a work-life balance while still drawing a respectable income. Entry-level positions may start at around $38.50 per hour, while experienced controllers can earn as much as $90.54 per hour, reflecting their skills in managing air traffic efficiently in various settings across the region.
About the West Bend 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) | $38.50 | $308.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.80 | $382.38 |
| Median (P50) | $66.38 | $531.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.62 | $660.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.54 | $724.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Bend
Based on $66.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.38/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Bend, WI can expect to earn approximately $138,077 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,660. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Bend.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Bend
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,655.33 | $11,506 | $138,077 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,593.20 | $6,904 | $82,846 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,062.13 | $4,603 | $55,231 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (West Bend) | $66.38 |
| 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 Bend, WI earn a median of $138,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.09% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,466.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.38/hr = $82,846/year (purchasing power: $88,701).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,077/year (purchasing power: $147,834).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in West Bend (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in West Bend grew 20.4% from $53.75/hr (2019) to $64.72/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.09/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 Bend 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 Bend
Taking a closer look at the earning dynamics, a three-day-a-week air traffic controller could realistically pocket around $51,779 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. However, the potential for per-diem air traffic controller pay in West Bend presents an opportunity for agency controllers to enhance their earnings, especially since many facilities are understaffed, leading to abundant overtime. Controllers frequently log 50 to 60 hours each week, making overtime compensation—paid at 1.5 times the base rate—a vital component of their total earnings, potentially adding $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Hourly rates may vary based on the type of employer; controllers at FAA en route centers or military installations may enjoy different benefits and pay scales compared to their counterparts in FAA contract towers. While some may prefer security in government roles despite slightly lower hourly rates, others could chase higher pay opportunities, counting on the trade-offs involved. Negotiation is key; controllers should seek to balance salary with benefits packages that meet their personal and professional needs.
More salary data for West Bend, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Bend. 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 Bend 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