Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wausau, WI: $136,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Wausau, WI earns a median $136,627/year (≈ $65.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Wausau's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $146,282 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Wausau, WI, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $136,627, which is approximately 10.05% lower than the national average of $151,886 for the same year. The salary range for controllers in this region varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $79,244 and top earners making up to $197,133. These values are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, reflecting the economic conditions specific to Wausau. The timeline for certification as a certified professional controller (CPC) typically spans 1 to 3 years, which can impact overall earning potential, as developmental controllers receive a reduced pay rate during this period. Understanding these numbers provides insight into the competitive landscape for air traffic control positions in Wausau.
About the Wausau Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,244 | $38.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,812 | $48.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,627 | $65.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $174,883 | $84.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,133 | $94.77 |
Median Salary Position
10.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wausau
In Wausau, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,889 (2026 est.). At $136,627, the local median is 10.05% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wausau: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wausau Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Wausau median: $136,627/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wausau Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,563 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -10.05% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Wausau, WI earn a median of $136,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.05% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,563.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wausau 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.
Wausau, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $136,627 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $146,282 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$110,635
2025 BLS Actual
$133,204
2026 Current Est.
$136,627
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,635 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,318 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,715 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,964 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,579 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,239 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,204 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,139 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wausau metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $110,635 (2019) to $133,204 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,139 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,504 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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) | $79,244 – $101,812 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,812 – $136,627 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,627 – $174,883 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $174,883 – $197,133 |
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 Wausau
As of now, there are only 8 air traffic controllers employed in Wausau, emphasizing the relatively small but focused job market for this profession. The cost of living in the area is indexed at 93.4, which is below the national average, allowing for a somewhat favorable purchasing power relative to income. Major employers include the FAA, which has various facilities such as en route centers and airport towers, with en route roles typically offering the highest pay. Factors influencing the salary spread include facility levels, certification status, and available shift differentials, which can increase earnings significantly, particularly for those working nights or weekends. To maximize air traffic controller pay in Wausau, aspiring controllers should consider pursuing positions at en route facilities and seeking opportunities for overtime, as well as strategizing for CPC certification to achieve greater financial stability in a field known for high demand and turnover.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Wausau, WI in 2026?
Is Wausau, WI a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Wausau?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Wausau?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Wausau?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $133,204 for air traffic controllersin the Wausau 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 Wausau 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