Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Superior, WI: $77,985 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Superior, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,985 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Superior's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,496 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,457) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates seeking a position in air traffic control, starting salaries in Superior, Wisconsin, are projected to be around $77,985 in 2026. While this entry-level pay offers a starting point, it is considerably lower than the city's median salary of $134,457. As new controllers gain experience and transition through various pay brackets, it's realistic to anticipate moving from this initial salary to around $97,586 within the first few years. This growth trajectory can be encouraging for those entering the field, especially given Superior's favorable job market conditions post-graduation. With a robust projected annual growth rate of 2.57%, those committed to developing their skills in air traffic control can expect a stable career in this area.
About the Superior Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Superior
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 Superior
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Superior, WI typically start between $77,985 and $97,586 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $116,622 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,457 — 11.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Wisconsin of $35,000 represents just 44.88% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($77,985/year) in Superior. 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 Superior
- 1Research the Superior market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $77,985 to $97,586, 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 Superior, 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 Superior for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Superior'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 Superior is $116,622 ( 149.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,985, experienced hygienists can earn up to $194,607.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,248
2025 BLS Actual
$76,031
2026 Current Est.
$77,985
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Superior (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,248 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,543 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,348 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,869 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,348 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,985 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,989 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Superior, WI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,248 in 2019 to $76,031 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,989. New graduates entering the Superior job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Superior 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 Superior
When considering the employment landscape for entry-level air traffic controllers in Superior, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remains the primary employer for new graduates. The FAA conducts recruitment through different channels, including "off-the-street" hiring, which limits applicants to those under 31 years old unless they are military veterans. Candidates must also complete the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and undergo training at the FAA Academy, which is typically compensated. To bolster initial pay, obtaining a bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience is crucial. Career advancement strategies should start early, focusing on mastering facility-specific training while actively seeking opportunities to gain additional qualifications. Early-career controllers in the region can realistically expect salary growth during their first few years, given the strong demand for staffing and the salary cap limitations imposed by age 56 retirement mandates, which create a continuous need for fresh talent in the workforce.
More salary data for Superior, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Superior in 2026?
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Is aviation school worth it in Superior?
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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 Superior. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Superior 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