Air Traffic Controller Salary in Marshfield, WI: $133,067 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Marshfield, WI earns a median $133,067/year (≈ $63.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Marshfield's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $142,470 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, air traffic controller salaries in Marshfield, Wisconsin, are projected to have a median annual pay of $133,067. This figure reflects a notable contrast when measured against the national median of $151,886, highlighting a pay gap that can be influential for prospective controllers. The salary range in this area extends from $77,179 at the P10 level to $187,319 at the P90 level. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity, point toward distinct salary dynamics within the different tiers of air traffic control facilities. Given the small local market, the balance between federal pay structures and the limited number of employees—only four air traffic controllers residing in Marshfield—can greatly impact the overall job landscape.
About the Marshfield Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,179 | $37.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,809 | $46.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,067 | $63.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,816 | $81.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,319 | $90.06 |
Median Salary Position
12.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshfield
In Marshfield, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,140 (2026 est.). At $133,067, the local median is 12.39% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marshfield: You'd be above the median
How Marshfield Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Marshfield median: $133,067/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marshfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,514 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -12.39% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Marshfield, WI earn a median of $133,067 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.39% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,514.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marshfield 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.
Marshfield, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $133,067 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,470 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,752
2025 BLS Actual
$129,733
2026 Current Est.
$133,067
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Marshfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,752 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,261 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,674 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,864 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,359 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,067 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,487 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marshfield metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $107,752 (2019) to $129,733 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,487 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,735 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshfield 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) | $77,179 – $95,809 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,809 – $133,067 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,067 – $169,816 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,816 – $187,319 |
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 Marshfield
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Marshfield is relatively modest, with just four professionals currently employed in this field. This number reflects a limited labor pool and may suggest opportunities for upward mobility as demand increases. The cost of living in Marshfield is indexed at 93.4, which is below the national average, offering a favorable context for take-home pay despite the lower-than-average salaries. Among potential employers, the FAA's en route centers, which manage the highest altitude traffic, typically offer higher salaries compared to terminal and tower facilities. Factors influencing the variation in pay include the facility level, with en route facilities generally commanding top-tier salaries, along with CPC certification status, shift differentials, mandatory overtime, and other incentives. For those looking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Marshfield, focusing on attaining certifications, seeking overtime opportunities, and considering strategic career moves to higher-paying facilities can be effective strategies in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Marshfield, 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 $129,733 for air traffic controllersin the Marshfield 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 Marshfield 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