Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Franklin, WI: $191,623 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Franklin, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $191,623/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Franklin's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $205,164 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Finding a lucrative, senior air traffic controller role in Franklin, Wisconsin can yield exceptional earnings, particularly for those who ascend to the top tiers of the profession. In 2026, the highest earners in the field are projected to make as much as $191,623, while those in the 75th percentile will see salaries around $172,726. When comparing Franklin to the national scene, the $191,623 top tier represents a competitive figure, although it falls slightly below the national median of $151,886. Experienced air traffic controllers in this region can expect a substantial gap between the median annual salary of $135,090 and what top earners achieve; this difference highlights the significant rewards awaiting those who specialize and advance within their careers. Achieving such pay levels demands not just years of service but also expertise in high-demand specialties such as en route traffic management or military ATC, where the experience premium is most pronounced.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Franklin earn between $172,726 and $191,623 per year (2026 est.). This $113,271 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Franklin median of $135,090 sits 11.06% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Franklin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $135,090 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,726 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $191,623 | $221,151 |
In Franklin, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 41.85% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Franklin
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $135,090 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Franklin employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Franklin command premium compensation, often reaching the $172,726–$191,623 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Franklin metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Franklin with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Wisconsin who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Franklin
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFranklin ranks #22 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $191,623).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Franklin ($191,623) is 6.35% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($204,615).
2019 BLS Actual
$152,778
2025 BLS Actual
$186,822
2026 Current Est.
$191,623
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $152,778 | Actual |
| 2020 | $160,108 | Actual |
| 2021 | $161,157 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,458 | Actual |
| 2023 | $174,154 | Actual |
| 2024 | $162,948 | Actual |
| 2025 | $186,822 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $191,623 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $196,548 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Franklin saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $152,778 in 2019 to $186,822 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $196,548 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Franklin
In Franklin, those seeking senior air traffic controller positions can strategically enhance their compensation through specialization and advancing within the FAA's structured career path. Control roles focusing on radar operations or traffic management coordination tend to command the highest pay, aligning with responsibilities found at facilities like en route centers that handle significant air traffic levels. Compensation varies significantly depending on the employment type; for instance, controllers within the FAA's en route centers typically enjoy the best remuneration compared to those at smaller contract towers or military installations. Furthermore, controllers who pursue advanced stewardship roles can transition from developmental controller to positions such as operations supervisor or ATC manager, all bringing increased pay potential. Additional certifications and credentials also play a vital role, as facilities prioritize experienced candidates, particularly those with CPC status. In a state where the cost of living lags behind national averages, senior-level compensation strategies must also account for varying pay structures, shifts, and overtime opportunities to maximize earnings in Franklin, WI.
More salary data for Franklin, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Franklin in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Franklin?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Franklin?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Franklin?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Franklin?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $186,822 for air traffic controllers in the Franklin metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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