Air Traffic Controller Salary

Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Brookfield, WI: $188,936 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Brookfield, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $188,936/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Brookfield's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $202,287 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$188,936
Top 10% Earn
$90.84/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$171,940
75th Percentile
$188,936
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Senior Salary in Brookfield, WI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Brookfield, WI air traffic controller senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, an experienced air traffic controller salary in Brookfield, WI, reflects the high earning potential available to senior professionals in this critical field, with top earners set to make $188,936 annually. The competitive nature of air traffic management allows for a substantial income gap, as the median salary stands at $138,154. This significant difference highlights the premium paid for extensive experience, expertise, and potentially specialized certifications that can elevate one’s earning capacity. Those aiming for the pinnacle of salary in Brookfield will often need not just years of service but also advanced training in specific areas such as en route control or terminal radar operations, underscoring the commitment required to achieve such noteworthy compensation.

About the Brookfield Market

Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookfield

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Brookfield. The median salary is $138,154, compared to the national median of $151,886.$72.1K$103.7K$135.2K$166.8K$198.4K$80.1K10th Pctl$101.8K25th Pctl$138.2KMedian$171.9K75th Pctl$188.9K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Brookfield earn between $171,940 and $188,936 per year (2026 est.). This $108,807 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brookfield median of $138,154 sits 9.04% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of air traffic controller pay in the Brookfield metro area.

Top ATC Salary Comparison

LevelBrookfieldNational
Median (P50)$138,154$151,886
75th Percentile$171,940$195,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$188,936$221,151

In Brookfield, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 36.76% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Brookfield

1

Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin

WI air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $138,154 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brookfield employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Brookfield command premium compensation, often reaching the $171,940–$188,936 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brookfield metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Brookfield with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Air Traffic Controllers in Wisconsin who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Brookfield

Clinical Air Traffic Controller

0-5 years
$80,129 – $138,154

Senior/Lead Air Traffic Controller

5-10 years
$138,154 – $171,940

Air Traffic Controller Department Manager

10+ years
$171,940+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Brookfield ranks #27 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $188,936).

Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Brookfield ($188,936) is 7.66% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($204,615).

2019 BLS Actual

$150,635

2025 BLS Actual

$184,202

2026 Current Est.

$188,936

2019–2027 Growth

+28.7%

Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Brookfield (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Brookfield. Baseline $150,635 in 2025, projected to $193,792 by 2027.$142.0K$157.1K$172.2K$187.3K$202.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$150.6K$157.9K$158.9K$162.2K$171.7K$160.7K$184.2K$188.9K$193.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$150,635Actual
2020$157,863Actual
2021$158,897Actual
2022$162,152Actual
2023$171,712Actual
2024$160,661Actual
2025$184,202Actual
2026(current)$188,936Estimated
2027$193,792Projected

Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Brookfield saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $150,635 in 2019 to $184,202 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $193,792 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookfield metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Brookfield

When analyzing the compensation landscape for senior air traffic controllers in Brookfield, it is essential to consider the various specializations that command higher pay. Positions such as en route or radar controllers consistently penetrate the upper salary tiers, while roles in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and military air traffic, as well as traffic management coordinator positions, also provide substantial compensation. Different employer types further influence pay scales, with FAA en route centers and TRACONs often offering higher salaries than smaller contract towers. Additionally, advancement opportunities abound within the FAA, leading from a developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC) roles and beyond, potentially reaching management positions. Those with specific advanced credentials, such as a bachelor's degree or professional experience, and passing qualifications from the FAA Academy, will find themselves positioned favorably for increasing their pay in Wisconsin's air traffic control market, which also compensates for variables like shift differentials and the demands of chronic understaffing in federal aviation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Brookfield in 2026?

Top-earning air traffic controllers in Brookfield (90th percentile) make $188,936/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is $50,782 more than the area median of $138,154 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior air traffic controllers typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Brookfield?

Higher air traffic controller pay in Brookfield is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Brookfield?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for air traffic controllers in Brookfield include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $138,154, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Brookfield?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Brookfield is $188,936, well above $100K. Air Traffic Controllers with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Brookfield?

In Brookfield, the gap between entry level ($80,129) and top earners ($188,936) is $108,807, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Wisconsin

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

Methodology & Data Source

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $184,202 for air traffic controllers in the Brookfield metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Brookfield is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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