Air Traffic Controller Salary in Milwaukee, WI: $154,355 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Milwaukee, WI earns a median $154,355/year (≈ $74.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Milwaukee's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $165,262 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.8% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Milwaukee, air traffic controller salaries have a median projection of $154,355 for 2026, which compares favorably to the national median of $151,886. The range for pay varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $89,525 and more experienced controllers earning upwards of $229,124. This disparity in compensation highlights the impact of both responsibility level and how staffing shortages have led to an increased reliance on overtime, resulting in controllers often clocking 50-60 hour weeks. Local estimates from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, show that the air traffic controller pay in Milwaukee reflects both the demands of the job and the economic conditions in the area, making it an appealing option for those looking to enter this competitive field.
About the Milwaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,525 | $43.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,136 | $53.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $154,355 | $74.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $197,573 | $94.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $229,124 | $110.16 |
Median Salary Position
1.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milwaukee
In Milwaukee, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $139,599 (2026 est.). At $154,355, the local median is 1.63% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Milwaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Milwaukee Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Milwaukee median: $154,355/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Milwaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,578 | +9.80% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +1.63% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $154,355 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.63% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 9.80% above the Wisconsin state average of $140,578.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Milwaukee 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.
Milwaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $154,355 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $165,262 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$124,989
2025 BLS Actual
$150,487
2026 Current Est.
$154,355
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,989 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,859 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,613 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,321 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,487 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,355 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,321 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Milwaukee metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $124,989 (2019) to $150,487 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $158,321 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,332 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukee 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) | $89,525 – $111,136 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,136 – $154,355 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $154,355 – $197,573 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $197,573 – $229,124 |
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 Milwaukee
The job market for air traffic controllers in Milwaukee consists of about 113 employed individuals, indicating a stable demand for this critical role. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, taking home a respectable salary effectively enhances purchasing power in the local economy. Facilities paying the most include FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, where controllers enjoy higher pay scales due to the complexity and volume of traffic managed. The wage spread is influenced by facility level, certification status, and various pay differentials, including substantial overtime opportunities, especially in the face of ongoing staffing challenges. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, pursuing certification as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) in specialized facilities and taking advantage of shift assignments can significantly raise total compensation in Milwaukee WI.
More salary data for Milwaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Milwaukee?
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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 $150,487 for air traffic controllersin the Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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