Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sheboygan, WI: $134,283 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Sheboygan, WI earns a median $134,283/year (≈ $64.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Sheboygan's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $143,772 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sheboygan, the projected median annual income for air traffic controllers in 2026 is $134,283, which falls below the national average of $151,886. The salary range for this profession in the area varies significantly, spanning from $77,883 at the 10th percentile to $189,269 at the 90th percentile. These figures represent local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. Controllers in Sheboygan often work extended hours due to chronic staffing shortages, which can effectively enhance their earnings through overtime. The local market’s dynamics highlight not only compensation but also the robust demand for skilled professionals in this field.
About the Sheboygan Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,883 | $37.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,684 | $46.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,283 | $64.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,550 | $81.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,269 | $90.99 |
Median Salary Position
11.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sheboygan
In Sheboygan, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,386 (2026 est.). At $134,283, the local median is 11.59% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sheboygan: You'd be above the median
How Sheboygan Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Sheboygan median: $134,283/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sheboygan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,463 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -11.59% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Sheboygan, WI earn a median of $134,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.59% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.40% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,463.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sheboygan 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.
Sheboygan, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $134,283 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,772 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,736
2025 BLS Actual
$130,918
2026 Current Est.
$134,283
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sheboygan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,736 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,305 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,923 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,458 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,245 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,918 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,283 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,734 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sheboygan metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $108,736 (2019) to $130,918 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,734 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,998 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sheboygan 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) | $77,883 – $96,684 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,684 – $134,283 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,283 – $170,550 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,550 – $189,269 |
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 Sheboygan
Despite having only 11 air traffic controllers employed in the Sheboygan area, the effective pay remains competitive, particularly considering the local cost of living index of 93.4, which is below the national average. This lower index translates into more purchasing power for controllers. Employers that typically offer the highest salaries include FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities. The pay disparities among various positions within the air traffic control system stem from factors such as facility levels, certification status, and various pay differentials and overtime opportunities. Maximizing your compensation in Sheboygan involves pursuing certifications like CPC to access higher pay brackets and taking advantage of overtime available due to staffing shortages. Understanding these nuances can significantly influence how much air traffic controllers make in Sheboygan, WI.
More salary data for Sheboygan, 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 $130,918 for air traffic controllersin the Sheboygan 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 Sheboygan 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