Transportation & Logistics Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median air traffic controller salary in Milwaukee, WI is $126,390 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$126,390
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-10,990
Cost of Living
92%

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

Milwaukee offers a median air traffic controller salary of $126,390, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $126,390. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% 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 Milwaukee spans from $75,440 at the 10th percentile to $182,160 at the 90th percentile — a $106,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,200, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,800. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $78,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,800
$-15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

Percentile Milwaukee
10th Percentile $75,440
25th Percentile $99,360
Median (50th) $126,390
75th Percentile $161,000
90th Percentile $182,160

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$137,380
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$123,642
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$120,894
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$118,147
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Milwaukee

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $126,390 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $75,440 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,390, a air traffic controller in Milwaukee earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median air traffic controller salary of $126,390 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $126,390. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $126,390 in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Milwaukee 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.