Air Traffic Controller Salary in Appleton, WI: $138,888 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Appleton, WI earns a median $138,888/year (≈ $66.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Appleton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $148,702 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Appleton, Wisconsin, the 2026 median salary for air traffic controllers is projected to be $138,888, reflecting a gradual adjustment to local market conditions and cost of living factors. Controllers can expect to earn between $80,555 at the low end and up to $196,660 for those at the top of the pay scale. These figures incorporate estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, indicating that Appleton's compensation, while lower than the national median of $151,886, remains competitive at the local level. Differences in facility tiers, with en route centers typically commanding higher salaries compared to terminal and tower operations, certainly influence pay structures for air traffic controllers in this region.
About the Appleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,555 | $38.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,265 | $48.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,888 | $66.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,014 | $84.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,660 | $94.55 |
Median Salary Position
8.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Appleton
In Appleton, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,105 (2026 est.). At $138,888, the local median is 8.56% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Appleton: You'd be above the median
How Appleton Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Appleton median: $138,888/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Appleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,575 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.56% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Appleton, WI earn a median of $138,888 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.56% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,575.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Appleton has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Appleton, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $138,888 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,702 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,465
2025 BLS Actual
$135,408
2026 Current Est.
$138,888
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Appleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,465 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,259 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,933 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,624 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,162 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,408 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,888 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,457 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Appleton metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $112,465 (2019) to $135,408 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,457 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,992 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Appleton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $80,555 – $101,265 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,265 – $138,888 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,888 – $176,014 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,014 – $196,660 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Appleton
In terms of the job market, Appleton supports a workforce of 17 air traffic controllers, adding an element of stability in this career path. The cost-of-living index in Appleton, pegged at 93.4, means that while salaries may fall short of national averages, the purchasing power remains relatively favorable. For those considering opportunities here, FAA en route centers generally offer the highest pay, followed by FAA terminal facilities and airport control towers. Factors such as facility tier, certified professional controller (CPC) status, and shift differentials can create significant variability in compensation; thus, strategic choices around certifications, shift preferences, and taking advantage of overtime opportunities are advisable. Embracing the varied aspects of air traffic controller pay in Appleton WI can help candidates make informed decisions in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Appleton, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $135,408 for air traffic controllersin the Appleton metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Appleton 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