Air Traffic Controller Salary in Greenfield, WI: $139,691 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Greenfield, WI earns a median $139,691/year (≈ $67.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Greenfield's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $149,562 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual pay for an air traffic controller in Greenfield, WI, is projected to be $139,691. This compensation is notably lower than the national median of $151,886, reflecting a regional economic landscape impacted by cost adjustments in local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data. Controllers in this area can expect salaries that range from $81,021 at the 10th percentile to $194,096 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant disparity based on experience, certification status, and facility type. Considering the average time required to reach full CPC certification is between 1 to 3 years, controllers may initially earn a developmental pay rate, gradually moving up as they gain experience and responsibilities. Given the relatively small number of controllers employed locally—only nine individuals—competitive dynamics play a role in shaping salary expectations within this market.
About the Greenfield Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,021 | $38.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,578 | $48.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,691 | $67.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,717 | $84.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,096 | $93.32 |
Median Salary Position
8.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Greenfield
In Greenfield, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,075 (2026 est.). At $139,691, the local median is 8.03% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Greenfield: You'd be above the median
How Greenfield Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Greenfield median: $139,691/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Greenfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,534 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.03% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Greenfield, WI earn a median of $139,691 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.03% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,534.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Greenfield has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Greenfield, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $139,691 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $149,562 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,115
2025 BLS Actual
$136,191
2026 Current Est.
$139,691
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Greenfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,115 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,949 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,333 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,632 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,846 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,191 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,691 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,281 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Greenfield metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,115 (2019) to $136,191 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,281 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,166 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greenfield 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $81,021 – $100,578 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,578 – $139,691 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,691 – $175,717 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,717 – $194,096 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Greenfield
The job market for air traffic controllers in Greenfield operates within a unique context influenced by the region’s cost-of-living index, which stands at 93.4—indicating affordability compared to the national average. This affects the purchasing power of controllers, making salaries more impactful in day-to-day life. Employers within Greenfield include various FAA facilities, with those at the en route centers typically providing the highest compensation. Factors such as facility type, CPC certification level, and shift differentials contribute to the pay spread observed in the area. To maximize earning potential, controllers should seek opportunities at higher-tier facilities and negotiate shift premiums effectively. Understanding the nuances of the air traffic controller pay structure in Greenfield, including locality pay and the impact of chronic understaffing that has led to abundant overtime, will be crucial for career advancement and financial success in this field.
More salary data for Greenfield, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $136,191 for air traffic controllersin the Greenfield metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Greenfield 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