Transportation & Logistics Madison, WI Pop. 269,840

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Madison, Wisconsin

The median air traffic controller salary in Madison, WI is $137,380 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$137,380
vs State Avg
+$10,990
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Madison: What to Expect (2026)

Madison offers a median air traffic controller salary of $137,380, which is $10,990 above the Wisconsin state average of $126,390. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Madison pays above average for this role.

Madison's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Madison spans from $82,000 at the 10th percentile to $198,000 at the 90th percentile — a $116,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $85,000, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $190,000. With a population of 269,840, Madison is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Madison by Experience

In Madison, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $85,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $190,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$85,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$140,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$190,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Madison, WI

Percentile Madison
10th Percentile $82,000
25th Percentile $108,000
Median (50th) $137,380
75th Percentile $175,000
90th Percentile $198,000

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Madison

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Madison may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Madison

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Madison, WI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Madison

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Madison, WI? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Madison, Wisconsin is $137,380 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $82,000 (10th percentile) to $198,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Madison? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $137,380, a air traffic controller in Madison earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Madison compare to the Wisconsin state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Madison's median air traffic controller salary of $137,380 is 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average of $126,390. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Madison, WI? ▼
Madison has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $137,380 in Madison has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Madison? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Madison require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.