Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Menomonie, WI: $77,339 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Menomonie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,339 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Menomonie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,804 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,342) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those newly entering the aviation field, the 2026 starting air traffic controller salary in Menomonie, Wisconsin, is projected at $77,339, which sets the stage for a promising career path. While this is significantly lower than the city's anticipated median salary of $133,342, entry-level positions still provide a solid foundation for future growth. New graduates can expect to see their salaries increase as they gain experience, moving towards $96,007 at the 25th percentile and possibly reaching the median within their first three to five years. Given the 2.57% annual growth rate for this occupation, Menomonie appears to be an advantageous market for aspiring air traffic controllers looking to launch their careers.
About the Menomonie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Menomonie
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 Menomonie
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Menomonie, WI typically start between $77,339 and $96,007 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,927 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,342 — 12.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wisconsin of $35,000 represents just 45.26% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($77,339/year) in Menomonie. 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 Menomonie
- 1Research the Menomonie market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $77,339 to $96,007, 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 Menomonie, 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 Menomonie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Menomonie'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 Menomonie is $102,927 ( 133.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,339, experienced hygienists can earn up to $180,266.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,699
2025 BLS Actual
$75,401
2026 Current Est.
$77,339
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Menomonie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,699 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,959 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,113 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,757 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,257 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,798 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,401 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,339 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,326 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Menomonie, WI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,699 in 2019 to $75,401 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,326. New graduates entering the Menomonie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonie 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 Menomonie
In Menomonie, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a primary employer of entry-level air traffic controllers, actively recruiting through various channels, including periodic public bid announcements and their Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program in partnership with selected universities. Applicants typically need to be under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans. New hires must possess U.S. citizenship, a bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience, and successfully pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) before attending Initial Qualification Training. As controllers progress to full Certification as Professional Controllers (CPC), they can expect a structured pay scale that starts lower in Menomonie but leads to potential earnings comparable to those at top-tier facilities elsewhere. Continuous education and experience will also be key, as controllers must navigate facility-specific training and meet rigorous medical and drug testing requirements. With the FAA's ongoing challenges related to staffing, new graduates are likely to find ample opportunities for advancement and overtime, resulting in a favorable financial outlook in their early years.
More salary data for Menomonie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Menomonie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Menomonie 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