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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Brookfield | National |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrookfield 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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $150,635 | Actual |
| 2020 | $157,863 | Actual |
| 2021 | $158,897 | Actual |
| 2022 | $162,152 | Actual |
| 2023 | $171,712 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,661 | Actual |
| 2025 | $184,202 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $188,936 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $193,792 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookfield 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.
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.
More salary data for Brookfield, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Brookfield in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Brookfield?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Brookfield?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Brookfield?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Brookfield?
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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
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).
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