Air Traffic Controller Salary in De Pere, WI: $137,968 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in De Pere, WI earns a median $137,968/year (≈ $66.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in De Pere's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $147,717 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a position in air traffic control in De Pere, WI, the potential earnings reflect a rewarding career path, with a projected median annual salary of $137,968 for 2026 based on 2025 BLS data. Air traffic controllers in the area experience a salary range from $80,021 at the 10th percentile to $188,319 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the significant income variability influenced by factors such as experience and certification status. Local estimates take into account regional cost adjustments, which are crucial for understanding take-home pay amid a cost of living index of 93.4, indicating that living expenses in De Pere are slightly below the national average. Those beginning their careers can expect to progress from developmental pay, typically at 65-75% of a fully certified controller's earnings, following completion of their CPC certification, typically achieved within 1-3 years.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,021 | $38.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,337 | $47.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,968 | $66.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $174,462 | $83.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188,319 | $90.54 |
Median Salary Position
9.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in De Pere
In De Pere, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,298 (2026 est.). At $137,968, the local median is 9.16% below the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in De Pere: You'd be above the median
How De Pere Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
De Pere median: $137,968/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | De Pere Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,497 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -9.16% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in De Pere, WI earn a median of $137,968 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.16% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,497.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
De Pere 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.
De Pere, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $137,968 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,717 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,720
2025 BLS Actual
$134,511
2026 Current Est.
$137,968
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in De Pere (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,469 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,861 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,132 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,791 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,380 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,511 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,968 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,514 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the De Pere metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $111,720 (2019) to $134,511 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,514 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,794 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the De Pere 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) | $80,021 – $99,337 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,337 – $137,968 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,968 – $174,462 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $174,462 – $188,319 |
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 De Pere
With only six air traffic controllers currently employed in De Pere, competition for positions is limited, yet the potential for growth remains substantial given the field’s ongoing need for staffing. The cost of living index of 93.4 suggests earnings, though lower than national averages, can still translate to a comfortable lifestyle in the area. High-paying employers locally include FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities and FAA en route centers, which typically offer higher pay grades compared to airport traffic control towers. The spread between lower and higher wages is often driven by facility tier levels, shift differentials, and a variety of additional pay incentives that can significantly impact total earnings. Those seeking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in De Pere should consider opportunities to work in higher-tier facilities, remain flexible regarding shift assignments, and leverage overtime options—a common necessity due to staffing shortages in the industry.
More salary data for De Pere, 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 $134,511 for air traffic controllersin the De Pere 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 De Pere 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