Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $195,408 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Oshkosh, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $195,408/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Oshkosh's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $209,216 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, presents an enticing opportunity for seasoned air traffic controllers looking to maximize their earning potential. The 2026 projected figures indicate that top earners in this region can achieve an impressive annual salary of $195,408, with a substantial 75th percentile salary of $175,110. This significant gap between the median salary of $138,521 and the top-tier earnings underscores the value placed on extensive experience and specialized skills. To reach such heights in compensation, controllers must cultivate expertise across various areas, including radar and en route operations, fortifying their qualifications through additional training and certifications.
About the Oshkosh Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oshkosh
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Oshkosh earn between $175,110 and $195,408 per year (2026 est.). This $115,066 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Oshkosh median of $138,521 sits 8.8% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Oshkosh | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $138,521 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,110 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $195,408 | $221,151 |
In Oshkosh, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 41.07% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Oshkosh
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $138,521 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Oshkosh employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Oshkosh command premium compensation, often reaching the $175,110–$195,408 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOshkosh ranks #16 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $195,408).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Oshkosh ($195,408) is 4.5% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($204,615).
2019 BLS Actual
$155,796
2025 BLS Actual
$190,512
2026 Current Est.
$195,408
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $155,796 | Actual |
| 2020 | $163,271 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,706 | Actual |
| 2023 | $177,594 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,164 | Actual |
| 2025 | $190,512 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $195,408 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $200,430 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Oshkosh saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $155,796 in 2019 to $190,512 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 $200,430 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
At the senior level, specialization can play a crucial role in differentiating salary potential in Oshkosh. Air traffic controllers focusing on en route and radar operations generally command the highest pay, followed closely by those in terminal radar approach control and military specialties. Each employer type offers distinct compensation structures: the FAA's en route centers and TRACON facilities typically present higher pay scales compared to airport traffic control towers. Controllers aiming for advancement have clear pathways, progressing from developmental controllers to certified professional controllers and beyond, with leadership roles yielding further financial rewards. Credentials such as CPC certification and advanced training can amplify earnings, while various compensation factors—including shift differentials and locality pay—enhance overall packages, especially in a region where the cost of living remains below the national average.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Oshkosh in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Oshkosh?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Oshkosh?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Oshkosh?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Oshkosh?
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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 $190,512 for air traffic controllers in the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh 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