Air Traffic Controller Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $134,391 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Manitowoc, WI earns a median $134,391/year (≈ $64.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Manitowoc's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $143,888 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manitowoc, Wisconsin, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $134,391 in 2026, reflecting a localized compensation structure that varies significantly from national averages. The salary range spans from $77,947 at the 10th percentile to $189,631 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential earnings based on experience and workplace settings. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data, which takes into account the region's economic climate and cost-of-living adjustments. The difference in compensation is notably influenced by the facility tier—air traffic controllers at en route facilities typically earn more compared to those in terminal and tower environments. As Manitowoc continues to stabilize its workforce, the competitive pay structure may provide an appealing incentive for aspiring controllers.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,947 | $37.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,460 | $46.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,391 | $64.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,021 | $82.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,631 | $91.16 |
Median Salary Position
11.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manitowoc
In Manitowoc, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,684 (2026 est.). At $134,391, the local median is 11.52% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manitowoc: You'd be above the median
How Manitowoc Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Manitowoc median: $134,391/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manitowoc Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,577 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -11.52% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Manitowoc, WI earn a median of $134,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.52% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.40% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,577.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manitowoc 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.
Manitowoc, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $134,391 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,888 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,824
2025 BLS Actual
$131,024
2026 Current Est.
$134,391
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,824 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,398 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,805 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,017 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,556 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,337 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,024 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,391 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,845 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manitowoc metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $108,824 (2019) to $131,024 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,845 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,021 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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) | $77,947 – $97,460 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,460 – $134,391 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,391 – $172,021 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,021 – $189,631 |
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 Manitowoc
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Manitowoc is modest, with only nine individuals currently employed in this capacity. However, the cost of living index is relatively low at 93.4, giving controllers more purchasing power with their take-home income. While FAA en route centers offer the highest pay opportunities, terminal radar approach controls and airport traffic control towers present viable employment paths as well. Factors affecting salary variations include the facility level and the status of an air traffic controller’s certification. Competitive pay can be achieved through obtaining CPC certification, leveraging shift differentials for evening or weekend hours, and capitalizing on overtime, which has become a fixture due to staffing shortages. Maximizing salary in Manitowoc's market may also involve seeking employment with military or federal agencies, as these positions may offer additional benefits and pay scales that favor controllers who can adapt to diverse work settings.
More salary data for Manitowoc, 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 $131,024 for air traffic controllersin the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc 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