Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $77,947 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,947 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,455 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,391) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the starting air traffic controller salary is projected to be around $77,947 in 2026, which sets a solid foundation for new graduates entering this challenging field. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $134,391, it provides a realistic entry point in the broader context of air traffic control, allowing for growth as one gains experience. Within the first three to five years, earnings can increase, with opportunities for newcomers to reach salaries near $97,460 as they advance to the 25th percentile. Given the city’s cost of living index of 93.4, which falls below the national average, Manitowoc can be considered a favorable market for those exploring entry-level positions in air traffic control in 2026.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manitowoc
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $77,947 and $97,460 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,684 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,391 — 11.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wisconsin of $35,000 represents just 44.90% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($77,947/year) in Manitowoc. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $77,947 to $97,460, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manitowoc, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Manitowoc is $111,684 ( 143.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,947, experienced hygienists can earn up to $189,631.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,216
2025 BLS Actual
$75,994
2026 Current Est.
$77,947
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,216 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,509 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,656 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,313 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,833 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,315 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,994 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,947 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,950 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,216 in 2019 to $75,994 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,950. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Manitowoc
Employers looking to fill entry-level positions in this area generally include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which actively recruits new controllers through various channels. Potential candidates can take advantage of public hiring announcements as well as partnerships with participating colleges through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). To augment their earning potential, new graduates should focus on obtaining relevant credentials, including U.S. citizenship, age eligibility, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). It's crucial to remain aware of the rigorous training requirements that follow, which can involve several months at the FAA Academy and additional facility-specific training that may take years to complete fully. With a career trajectory that offers substantial salary increases, especially at top-tier en route facilities, controllers can realistically expect a growth rate of about 2.57% annually, enhancing their new grad air traffic controller pay in WI over the initial years of their careers.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Manitowoc in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Manitowoc?
Is aviation school worth it in Manitowoc?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Manitowoc?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Wisconsin?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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