Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Onalaska, WI: $77,638 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Onalaska, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,638 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Onalaska's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,124 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,860) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the air traffic controller profession in Onalaska, Wisconsin, can expect a starting air traffic controller salary of around $77,638. This figure, while a foundational starting point, falls significantly below the city median salary of $133,860. Nonetheless, early-career professionals in this field have the potential to make meaningful gains over their first few years. With the right experience, one could transition to a salary of approximately $100,136 by reaching the 25th percentile, eventually aiming for higher earnings as they grow in their roles. Given the strong popularity of air traffic control within the FAA and the projected growth rate of 2.57%, Onalaska currently represents a stable market for newcomers launching their careers at a time when the demand for skilled controllers is increasing.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Onalaska
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 Onalaska
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Onalaska, WI typically start between $77,638 and $100,136 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $99,724 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,860 — 11.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wisconsin of $35,000 represents just 45.08% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($77,638/year) in Onalaska. 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 Onalaska
- 1Research the Onalaska market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $77,638 to $100,136, 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 Onalaska, 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 Onalaska for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Onalaska'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 Onalaska is $99,724 ( 128.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,638, experienced hygienists can earn up to $177,362.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,954
2025 BLS Actual
$75,693
2026 Current Est.
$77,638
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Onalaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,954 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,031 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,541 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,053 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,693 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,638 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,634 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Onalaska, WI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,954 in 2019 to $75,693 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,634. New graduates entering the Onalaska job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Onalaska 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 Onalaska
For aspiring air traffic controllers in Onalaska, opportunities for employment primarily stem from the FAA, which recruits both through off-the-street hiring announcements and partnerships with academic institutions through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Its eligibility guidelines require candidates to be under 31 unless they are military veterans. Meeting the age limit and educational qualifications, which encompass passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), positions new controllers well for a successful application. Furthermore, participants must complete Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, which typically lasts around three to five months. Notably, within their first few years, controllers often see their responsibilities expand, with the potential for salary growth bolstered by certification as a full Certified Professional Controller (CPC). With a median salary trajectory that leads to higher tiers of pay in larger centers, new controllers in Onalaska need to remain adaptable, consistently updating skills to maximize their earnings as they navigate this rewarding yet demanding profession.
More salary data for Onalaska, 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 Onalaska. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Onalaska 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