Air Traffic Controller Salary in Caledonia, WI: $136,169 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Caledonia, WI earns a median $136,169/year (≈ $65.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Caledonia's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $145,791 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Caledonia, WI, is projected to reach a median of $136,169, which is approximately 10.35% lower than the national median of $151,886 for the same year. Controllers in Caledonia can expect a salary range from $78,978 at the 10th percentile to $195,584 at the 90th percentile, underscoring the pay variations that can arise depending on facility tier and other factors. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data illustrate the local context of these salaries, revealing how tier placement—such as en route or terminal facilities—can significantly influence earnings. The job market here reflects the dynamics of air traffic control careers, with specific implications for training and experience that prospective controllers should consider.
About the Caledonia Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,978 | $37.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,912 | $48.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,169 | $65.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $174,296 | $83.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,584 | $94.03 |
Median Salary Position
10.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Caledonia
In Caledonia, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,606 (2026 est.). At $136,169, the local median is 10.35% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Caledonia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Caledonia Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Caledonia median: $136,169/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Caledonia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,525 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -10.35% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Caledonia, WI earn a median of $136,169 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.35% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,525.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Caledonia 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.
Caledonia, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $136,169 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,791 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,263
2025 BLS Actual
$132,757
2026 Current Est.
$136,169
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Caledonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,263 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,924 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,324 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,565 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,164 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,849 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,757 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,169 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,668 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Caledonia metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $110,263 (2019) to $132,757 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,668 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,405 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caledonia 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) | $78,978 – $100,912 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,912 – $136,169 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,169 – $174,296 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $174,296 – $195,584 |
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 Caledonia
Examining the local employment landscape, there are currently four air traffic controllers working in Caledonia, emphasizing a niche market that may be influenced by the area's lower cost of living index of 93.4. This figure suggests that controllers in Caledonia may have relatively enhanced purchasing power compared to more expensive urban regions. Among local employers, federal FAA en route centers typically offer the highest salaries, as they manage high-altitude traffic and often require higher levels of certification. Factors influencing the spread between low and high pay include the facility tier levels, with en route controllers generally earning the most, and the impact of CPC certification status on pay rates. Controllers should keep in mind the potential for shift differentials, overtime, and locality pay when strategizing to maximize their income in this specific market. Building experience in higher-tier facilities or obtaining specialized certifications could further enhance earning potential in Caledonia's air traffic control workforce.
More salary data for Caledonia, 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 $132,757 for air traffic controllersin the Caledonia 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 Caledonia 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