Air Traffic Controller Salary in Pewaukee, WI: $133,892 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Pewaukee, WI earns a median $133,892/year (≈ $64.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Pewaukee's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $143,353 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pewaukee, Wisconsin, the projected median annual salary for an air traffic controller is $133,892 in 2026, reflecting competitive pay but slightly lower than the national average of $151,886. Salary ranges within the city extend from $77,657 at the 10th percentile up to $177,142 at the 90th percentile, illustrating varied compensation based largely on the type of facility where controllers are employed. These figures are estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, which indicate that Pewaukee’s air traffic controller pay is about 11.85% below the national median. This discrepancy is indicative of the Tier system within the FAA—controllers working at en route positions typically earn higher salaries compared to those at terminal and tower facilities, which translates to critical implications for job seekers in this market.
About the Pewaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,657 | $37.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,402 | $46.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,892 | $64.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,093 | $80.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $177,142 | $85.16 |
Median Salary Position
11.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pewaukee
In Pewaukee, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,485 (2026 est.). At $133,892, the local median is 11.85% below the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Pewaukee: You'd be above the median
How Pewaukee Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Pewaukee median: $133,892/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pewaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,495 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -11.85% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Pewaukee, WI earn a median of $133,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.85% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,495.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pewaukee 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.
Pewaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $133,892 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,353 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,419
2025 BLS Actual
$130,537
2026 Current Est.
$133,892
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pewaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,419 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,969 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,379 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,582 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,105 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,912 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,537 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,892 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,333 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pewaukee metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $108,419 (2019) to $130,537 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,333 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,914 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pewaukee 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) | $77,657 – $96,402 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,402 – $133,892 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,892 – $167,093 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,093 – $177,142 |
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 Pewaukee
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Pewaukee is relatively small, with only four controllers currently employed in the area. This limited workforce operates within a cost-of-living index of 93.4, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, purchasing power in Pewaukee can go further. Among local employers, the most competitive positions are typically found within terminal and en route facilities, notably for FAA en route centers, which tend to offer higher pay compared to contractual and military positions. Factors influencing salary variation include the facility tier—higher levels (like en route Level 12) yield better compensation—and additional considerations such as CPC certification status, shift differentials, and overtime opportunities. To maximize earning potential within this specific market, aspiring controllers should pursue advanced certifications and consider positions at en route centers, where financial incentives are more favorable, especially given the ongoing demand for air traffic controllers in the face of chronic understaffing.
More salary data for Pewaukee, 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 $130,537 for air traffic controllersin the Pewaukee 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 Pewaukee 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