Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: $61.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Wisconsin Rapids, WI runs $61.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,840 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Wisconsin Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,304 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wisconsin Rapids, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is set at $61.94, a figure that lags behind the national median hourly rate of $73.02 for this profession. This income provides a solid foundation, particularly for part-time workers who may be looking at a schedule of three days per week. In an environment characterized by en route centers or control towers, where air traffic controllers typically work, the hourly pay structure can vary widely. Entry-level controllers may earn $35.93 per hour while the top earners can make $83.47 per hour, depending on experience, job complexity, and the demands of specific facilities. These figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, translating into a realistic snapshot of potential earnings that can inform prospective controllers regarding job opportunities in Wisconsin Rapids.
About the Wisconsin Rapids 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) | $35.93 | $287.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.60 | $356.78 |
| Median (P50) | $61.94 | $495.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.74 | $613.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.47 | $667.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wisconsin Rapids
Based on $61.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.94/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wisconsin Rapids, WI can expect to earn approximately $128,839 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,330. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wisconsin Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wisconsin Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,477.68 | $10,737 | $128,839 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,486.61 | $6,442 | $77,304 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $991.07 | $4,295 | $51,536 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Wisconsin Rapids) | $61.94 |
| 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 Wisconsin Rapids, WI earn a median of $128,840 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.17% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 8.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,502.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.94/hr = $77,304/year (purchasing power: $82,766).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,839/year (purchasing power: $137,944).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wisconsin Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Wisconsin Rapids grew 20.4% from $50.16/hr (2019) to $60.39/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.53/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 Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids
For those considering part-time positions, working as an air traffic controller three days a week for a total of 24 hours translates to a substantial annual take-home that still pales in comparison to full-time earnings. Controllers often find that the nature of their work allows for overtime opportunities, especially in understaffed facilities where working 50-60 hours a week might be necessary. Such hours can significantly enhance earnings, possibly adding $50,000 to $100,000 or more annually through overtime, enhancing the effective pay for many positions. Hourly rates may also differ based on employer type; for instance, FAA-operated en route centers, TRACONs, or contract towers each offer unique compensation packages. Negotiating hourly rates while weighing health insurance benefits versus pay can be challenging, yet understanding the dynamics in Wisconsin Rapids can help prospective candidates inform their choices effectively in this competitive field.
More salary data for Wisconsin Rapids, 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 Wisconsin Rapids. 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 Wisconsin Rapids 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