Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Caledonia, WI: $195,584 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Caledonia, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $195,584/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Caledonia's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $209,405 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those seeking a lucrative career in air traffic control, Caledonia, Wisconsin presents competitive opportunities for experienced professionals. In 2026, the top air traffic controller salary in this area is projected to reach $195,584, reflecting a significant potential for earnings that surpass the median annual salary of $136,169 by a considerable margin. This established salary progression underscores the value placed on skill and experience in the field, particularly for controllers who have built their competency over seven years or more. To achieve this top-tier pay, controllers typically focus on advancing their expertise in specialized areas such as en route and radar operations, demonstrating leadership qualities, and pursuing opportunities for rigorous training and qualifications.
About the Caledonia Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Caledonia
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Caledonia earn between $174,296 and $195,584 per year (2026 est.). This $116,606 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Caledonia median of $136,169 sits 10.35% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Caledonia | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $136,169 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,296 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $195,584 | $221,151 |
In Caledonia, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.63% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Caledonia
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $136,169 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Caledonia employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Caledonia command premium compensation, often reaching the $174,296–$195,584 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Caledonia 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 Caledonia 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 Caledonia
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCaledonia ranks #15 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $195,584).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Caledonia ($195,584) is 4.41% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($204,615).
2019 BLS Actual
$155,935
2025 BLS Actual
$190,683
2026 Current Est.
$195,584
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Caledonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $155,935 | Actual |
| 2020 | $163,417 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,487 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,857 | Actual |
| 2023 | $177,753 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,317 | Actual |
| 2025 | $190,683 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $195,584 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $200,610 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Caledonia saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $155,935 in 2019 to $190,683 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 $200,610 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caledonia 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 Caledonia
In analyzing senior air traffic controller pay in Caledonia, specific specialties yield premium compensation. For instance, positions in en route and radar operations often command the highest salaries, followed closely by roles in terminal radar and traffic management. Employment within FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach controllers frequently comes with salaries reflective of the demand for their unique skill sets. Moreover, senior controllers can leverage their experience to move up the ranks, transitioning from developmental controller to certified professional controller and eventually to traffic management coordinator or ATC manager. Advanced credentials such as a bachelor's degree, successful completion of the FAA’s training programs, and ongoing education are valuable, enhancing overall earning potential. Various factors, such as shift differentials and opportunities for overtime, further augment total earnings, particularly in a context marked by persistent staffing shortages.
More salary data for Caledonia, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Caledonia in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Caledonia?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Caledonia?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Caledonia?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Caledonia?
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
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 $190,683 for air traffic controllers in the Caledonia 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 Caledonia 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