Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Green Bay, WI: $206,867 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Green Bay, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $206,867/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Green Bay's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $221,485 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
In 2026, seasoned air traffic controllers in Green Bay, Wisconsin, can expect to earn significantly higher wages, particularly if they reach the upper echelons of the pay scale. With top-tier earners pulling in around $206,867, and the 75th percentile at $184,129, the competition for these numbers is steep. The median salary of $143,850 illustrates a considerable experience premium. This gap signifies the rewards of extensive service and specialization. Achieving this level of compensation requires not only years of experience—typically more than seven—but also advanced competencies in high-demand specialties such as en route and radar control, contributing to better operational safety and efficiency in this busy field.
About the Green Bay Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Green Bay
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Green Bay earn between $184,129 and $206,867 per year (2026 est.). This $123,433 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Green Bay median of $143,850 sits 5.29% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Green Bay | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $143,850 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $184,129 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $206,867 | $221,151 |
In Green Bay, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.81% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Green Bay
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $143,850 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Green Bay employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Green Bay command premium compensation, often reaching the $184,129–$206,867 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Green Bay 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 Green Bay 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 Green Bay
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGreen Bay ranks #3 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $206,867).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Green Bay ($206,867) is 1.1% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($204,615).
2019 BLS Actual
$164,932
2025 BLS Actual
$201,684
2026 Current Est.
$206,867
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Green Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $164,932 | Actual |
| 2020 | $172,845 | Actual |
| 2021 | $173,977 | Actual |
| 2022 | $177,541 | Actual |
| 2023 | $188,008 | Actual |
| 2024 | $175,909 | Actual |
| 2025 | $201,684 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $206,867 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $212,184 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Green Bay saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $164,932 in 2019 to $201,684 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 $212,184 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Green Bay 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 Green Bay
Looking deeper into the factors that impact senior air traffic controller pay in Green Bay reveals a rich landscape of opportunities tied closely to specialization and employer type. Those who choose to focus on en route traffic management often enjoy the highest compensation levels compared to their colleagues in terminal radar or tower roles. Additionally, positions held within the FAA en route centers, which manage significant portions of high-altitude traffic, typically offer superior pay compared to FAA contract towers or military ATC roles. Progression in this field is typically outlined through various titles, starting from developmental controller to traffic management coordinator, and further to supervisory and managerial roles. Relevant credentials, such as successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and recurrent medical examinations, further optimize pay potential. Non-salary benefits, including shift differentials and overtime—which are common due to ongoing staffing challenges—also significantly contribute to the overall compensation package for senior air traffic controllers in Green Bay, WI.
More salary data for Green Bay, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Green Bay in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Green Bay?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Green Bay?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Green Bay?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Green Bay?
Related Pages
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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 $201,684 for air traffic controllers in the Green Bay 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 Green Bay 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