Air Traffic Controller Salary in Germantown, WI: $133,119 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Germantown, WI earns a median $133,119/year (≈ $64.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Germantown's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $142,526 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Germantown, Wisconsin, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $133,119, reflecting both the regional economic conditions and the career trajectory available through FAA certification. The full salary range for this profession extends from $77,210 at the 10th percentile to $187,493 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, illustrating how the local job market supports competitive compensation for air traffic controllers. Given that the role can take 1 to 3 years to reach full CPC certification and earn the associated higher pay, the development path for controllers in Germantown can be both lucrative and rewarding.
About the Germantown Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,210 | $37.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,659 | $47.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,119 | $64.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,945 | $81.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,493 | $90.14 |
Median Salary Position
12.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Germantown
In Germantown, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,283 (2026 est.). At $133,119, the local median is 12.36% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Germantown: You'd be above the median
How Germantown Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Germantown median: $133,119/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Germantown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,570 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -12.36% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Germantown, WI earn a median of $133,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.36% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,570.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Germantown 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.
Germantown, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $133,119 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,526 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$107,794
2025 BLS Actual
$129,784
2026 Current Est.
$133,119
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Germantown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,794 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,306 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,719 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,406 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,255 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,784 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,119 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,541 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Germantown metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $107,794 (2019) to $129,784 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,541 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,747 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Germantown 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) | $77,210 – $98,659 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,659 – $133,119 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,119 – $169,945 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,945 – $187,493 |
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 Germantown
In this area, there are currently 6 air traffic controllers employed, indicating a niche market that can benefit from rising demand and improved work conditions. With a cost of living index of 93.4, Germantown offers a favorable economic environment, meaning that air traffic controllers' salaries stretch further in terms of purchasing power. Among significant employers, facilities such as the FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACONs) may offer competitive salaries compared to airport traffic control towers. Variability in pay hinges on factors such as facility tier, certification level, and additional shift differentials that can significantly augment base salaries. For those seeking to optimize their earnings, strategies might include pursuing higher-tier positions and certifications, opting for shifts that offer better pay, and actively engaging in the notoriously abundant overtime opportunities.
More salary data for Germantown, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Germantown, WI in 2026?
Is Germantown, WI a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Germantown?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Germantown?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Germantown?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $129,784 for air traffic controllersin the Germantown 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 Germantown 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