Air Traffic Controller Salary in West Bend, WI: $138,078 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in West Bend, WI earns a median $138,078/year (≈ $66.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in West Bend's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $147,835 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controller salaries in West Bend, Wisconsin, present an intriguing picture with a median annual salary of $138,078. This figure reflects the area's unique job market dynamics and salaries range from $80,085 at the 10th percentile to $188,319 at the 90th percentile. Estimates based on 2025 BLS data project that controllers positioned within en route Level 12 facilities, as opposed to terminal and tower facilities, may command higher wages due to the complexities involved in high-altitude traffic management. With competitive pay structures shaped by regional cost adjustments, the financial prospects in West Bend's air traffic control sector are bolstered by increasing demand for qualified professionals in the field.
About the West Bend Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,085 | $38.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,416 | $47.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,078 | $66.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,846 | $82.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188,319 | $90.54 |
Median Salary Position
9.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Bend
In West Bend, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,234 (2026 est.). At $138,078, the local median is 9.09% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Bend: You'd be above the median
How West Bend Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
West Bend median: $138,078/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Bend Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,466 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -9.09% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in West Bend, WI earn a median of $138,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.09% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,466.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Bend 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.
West Bend, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $138,078 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,835 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,809
2025 BLS Actual
$134,618
2026 Current Est.
$138,078
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in West Bend (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,809 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,563 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,954 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,227 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,891 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,473 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,618 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,078 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,626 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Bend metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $111,809 (2019) to $134,618 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,626 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,817 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Bend 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) | $80,085 – $99,416 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,416 – $138,078 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,078 – $171,846 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,846 – $188,319 |
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 West Bend
While West Bend employs just five air traffic controllers, the cost of living index at 93.4 indicates a budget-friendly environment that enhances the purchasing power of their salaries. Controllers with FAA stations nearby may enjoy localized salary advantages, especially those stationed at en route centers or larger TRACON facilities that handle greater volumes of air traffic. The pay spectrum is affected by various factors, such as shift differentials, CPC certification, and the facility level, with en route positions typically providing better compensation than tower roles. Given the current staffing shortages and mandatory overtime, controllers in West Bend could either capitalize on additional shifts or seek positions at larger facilities for greater financial rewards, making strategic choices essential in maximizing their earnings within this distinct market.
More salary data for West Bend, 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 $134,618 for air traffic controllersin the West Bend 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 West Bend 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