Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Appleton, WI: $66.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Appleton, WI runs $66.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,888 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Appleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,333 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an air traffic controller in Appleton, WI, the estimated median hourly pay for 2026 stands at $66.77. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $73.02, indicating a competitive landscape for professionals in this field. Controllers can expect to see a broad range of hourly compensation, varying from $38.73 at the entry-level to as high as $94.55 for the top earners in the area. Given the nature of the job, which often takes place in specialized settings such as radar consoles at en route centers and airport traffic control towers, hourly pay can provide a reliable income for those opting for part-time work as well. Controllers working three days a week (24 hours total) can benefit from this hourly structure while managing a work-life balance that suits their needs.
About the Appleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.73 | $309.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.69 | $389.52 |
| Median (P50) | $66.77 | $534.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.62 | $676.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.55 | $756.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Appleton
Based on $66.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.77/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Appleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $138,888 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,128. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Appleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Appleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,670.92 | $11,574 | $138,888 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,602.55 | $6,944 | $83,333 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,068.37 | $4,630 | $55,555 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Appleton) | $66.77 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Appleton, WI earn a median of $138,888 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.56% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,575.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.77/hr = $83,333/year (purchasing power: $89,221).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,888/year (purchasing power: $148,702).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Appleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Appleton grew 20.4% from $54.07/hr (2019) to $65.10/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.49/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Appleton 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Appleton
Maintaining a part-time schedule as an air traffic controller in Appleton can yield a substantial annual income, despite working fewer days each week compared to full-time colleagues. Controllers in such roles are typically looking at earnings that still range significantly, with pay not capped due to the potential for overtime. Many positions offer extensive hours, with some controllers logging 50 to 60 hours a week, significantly bumping their effective hourly compensation through overtime pay that can drive total earnings into the upper echelon. The variety of employment types in this field also affects pay. While positions with the FAA and military generally provide more predictable hourly rates along with strong benefits, many controllers working at FAA contract towers may opt for slightly lower hourly compensation in exchange for more flexible hours. When negotiating salaries, understanding the local job environment and being aware of industry standards can empower Appleton's controllers in discussions about their pay and benefits.
More salary data for Appleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Appleton in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Appleton?
Are air traffic controllers in Appleton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Appleton?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Appleton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Appleton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Appleton 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