Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Wausau, WI: $65.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Wausau, WI runs $65.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,627 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Wausau's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,976 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, Wausau's air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $65.69, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This figure reflects what controllers can expect when working in various settings, including FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, and airport control towers. For those opting for part-time positions, such as three days a week, the opportunity to earn approximately $1,050 weekly can be quite appealing. Entry-level controllers can start at $38.09 per hour, while the most experienced may earn up to $94.77 per hour. The hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates based on 2025 BLS data, indicating a range that accommodates both budding professionals and seasoned specialists in the Wausau area.
About the Wausau 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) | $38.09 | $304.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.95 | $391.57 |
| Median (P50) | $65.69 | $525.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.08 | $672.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.77 | $758.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wausau
Based on $65.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.69/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wausau, WI can expect to earn approximately $136,627 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,823. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wausau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wausau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,627.43 | $11,386 | $136,627 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,576.46 | $6,831 | $81,976 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,050.97 | $4,554 | $54,651 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Wausau) | $65.69 |
| 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 Wausau, WI earn a median of $136,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.05% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,563.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.69/hr = $81,976/year (purchasing power: $87,769).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,627/year (purchasing power: $146,281).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Wausau grew 20.4% from $53.19/hr (2019) to $64.04/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.37/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 Wausau 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 Wausau
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Examining the earning potential reveals that part-time controllers working 24 hours a week could take home about $39,000 in a year, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. The per-diem air traffic controller pay in Wausau adds to the financial picture, as controllers at understaffed facilities often work overtime, leading to income that can soar above base pay. With the potential for 50-60 hour weeks, many may find themselves earning $50,000 to $100,000 more annually through overtime. Interestingly, hourly rates can differ depending on the type of facility; FAA centers, TRACONs, and military air traffic control jobs typically offer varied pay scales. Some controllers choose positions with lower hourly pay for the benefits of health insurance, while others pursue higher rates without such safety nets. For those seeking employment in Wausau, understanding the nuances of the FAA's pay structures and being prepared to negotiate based on the unique demands of the role is crucial for maximizing earning potential.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Wausau in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Wausau?
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Related Pages
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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
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 Wausau. 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 Wausau 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