Air Traffic Controller Salary in Waukesha, WI: $140,869 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Waukesha, WI earns a median $140,869/year (≈ $67.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Waukesha's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $150,823 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controller salaries in Waukesha, Wisconsin, offer a median annual pay of $140,869, slightly below the national average of $151,886. Those in the field can expect a salary range spanning from $81,704 at the low end (10th percentile) to $198,337 at the high end (90th percentile). This diverse compensation reflects local estimates derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlighting the different facility tiers influential in salary outcomes. For instance, en route controllers at FAA ARTCCs usually command higher wages compared to those at terminal radar approach controls and airport traffic control towers. The local job market shows that there are currently 14 air traffic controllers in Waukesha, indicating a stable but niche employment opportunity.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,704 | $39.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,425 | $48.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,869 | $67.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $177,848 | $85.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,337 | $95.35 |
Median Salary Position
7.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukesha
In Waukesha, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,633 (2026 est.). At $140,869, the local median is 7.25% below the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Waukesha: You'd be above the median
How Waukesha Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Waukesha median: $140,869/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukesha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,587 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.25% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Waukesha, WI earn a median of $140,869 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.25% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% above the Wisconsin state average of $140,587.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukesha 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.
Waukesha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $140,869 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,823 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,069
2025 BLS Actual
$137,339
2026 Current Est.
$140,869
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,069 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,339 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,657 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,415 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,848 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,339 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,869 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,489 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukesha metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $114,069 (2019) to $137,339 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,489 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,420 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukesha 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) | $81,704 – $101,425 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,425 – $140,869 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,869 – $177,848 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $177,848 – $198,337 |
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 Waukesha
Analyzing the dynamics of air traffic controller pay in Waukesha reveals unique factors that significantly affect compensation in this sector. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, controllers in Waukesha enjoy a relatively affordable lifestyle compared to national averages, which enhances their effective take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, it’s typically the FAA en route centers that offer the highest pay due to the complexity of regulating high-altitude traffic, whereas military positions may also be competitive depending on certification and experience levels. Various factors, like shift differentials and overtime opportunities, contribute to the spread in earnings. To maximize pay, aspiring controllers should consider pursuing CPC certification, which allows for greater advancement, and be open to taking on mandatory overtime shifts. Given the current staffing challenges in the industry, embracing these strategies can significantly increase earning potential.
More salary data for Waukesha, 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 $137,339 for air traffic controllersin the Waukesha 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 Waukesha 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