Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Menomonee Falls, WI: $190,028 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Menomonee Falls, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $190,028/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Menomonee Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $203,456 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

Reaching the upper echelons of air traffic control compensation in Menomonee Falls means accessing salaries that can reach up to $190,028 annually for seasoned controllers in 2026. With a median annual salary of $138,481, there exists a significant experience premium for those who achieve the highest levels in their careers. This distinguishes top earners quite sharply from peers, reflecting the substantial gap between median salaries and pinnacle figures, illustrating that dedication, ongoing education, and specialization are key to unlocking this pay potential. Attaining top-tier pay in this competitive market often requires embracing further training or transitioning to high-demand positions to maximize earning potential.
About the Menomonee Falls Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Menomonee Falls
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Menomonee Falls earn between $175,726 and $190,028 per year (2026 est.). This $109,710 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Menomonee Falls median of $138,481 sits 8.83% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Menomonee Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $138,481 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,726 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $190,028 | $221,151 |
In Menomonee Falls, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 37.22% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Menomonee Falls
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $138,481 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Menomonee Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Menomonee Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $175,726–$190,028 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Menomonee Falls 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 Menomonee Falls 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 Menomonee Falls
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMenomonee Falls ranks #24 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $190,028).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Menomonee Falls ($190,028) is 7.13% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($204,615).
2019 BLS Actual
$151,506
2025 BLS Actual
$185,267
2026 Current Est.
$190,028
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Menomonee Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $151,506 | Actual |
| 2020 | $158,776 | Actual |
| 2021 | $159,815 | Actual |
| 2022 | $163,089 | Actual |
| 2023 | $172,704 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,589 | Actual |
| 2025 | $185,267 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $190,028 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $194,912 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Menomonee Falls saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $151,506 in 2019 to $185,267 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 $194,912 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonee Falls 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 Menomonee Falls
Senior air traffic controller pay in WI varies notably based on specialization and employer type, presenting distinct opportunities for increased remuneration. Controllers focused on en route or radar operations tend to command the highest salaries, given their critical role in managing high-altitude traffic and complex flight paths. Positions at FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach control (TRACONs), and military ATC facilities often lead to different compensation structures, each providing unique advancement paths. For example, progression from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC) elevates earning potential significantly. Specific credentials such as CPC certification, experience in handling international traffic, and roles like traffic management coordinator can enhance salaries substantially. Additionally, non-salary compensation factors, including shift differentials and mandatory overtime, can make a significant difference in overall earnings, especially in light of the ongoing staffing challenges within the sector.
More salary data for Menomonee Falls, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Menomonee Falls in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Menomonee Falls?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Menomonee Falls?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Menomonee Falls?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Menomonee Falls?
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 $185,267 for air traffic controllers in the Menomonee Falls 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 Menomonee Falls 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