Air Traffic Controller Salary

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.

$191,623
Top 10% Earn
$92.13/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$172,726
75th Percentile
$191,623
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Senior Salary in Franklin, WI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Franklin, WI air traffic controller senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Franklin. The median salary is $135,090, compared to the national median of $151,886.$70.5K$103.2K$135.9K$168.5K$201.2K$78.4K10th Pctl$97.3K25th Pctl$135.1KMedian$172.7K75th Pctl$191.6K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of air traffic controller pay in the Franklin metro area.

Top ATC Salary Comparison

LevelFranklinNational
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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 years
$78,352 – $135,090

Senior/Lead Air Traffic Controller

5-10 years
$135,090 – $172,726

Air Traffic Controller Department Manager

10+ years
$172,726+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Franklin 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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Franklin. Baseline $152,778 in 2025, projected to $196,548 by 2027.$144.0K$159.3K$174.7K$190.0K$205.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$152.8K$160.1K$161.2K$164.5K$174.2K$162.9K$186.8K$191.6K$196.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$152,778Actual
2020$160,108Actual
2021$161,157Actual
2022$164,458Actual
2023$174,154Actual
2024$162,948Actual
2025$186,822Actual
2026(current)$191,623Estimated
2027$196,548Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Franklin in 2026?

Top-earning air traffic controllers in Franklin (90th percentile) make $191,623/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is $56,533 more than the area median of $135,090 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior air traffic controllers typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Franklin?

Higher air traffic controller pay in Franklin is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Franklin?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for air traffic controllers in Franklin include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $135,090, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Franklin?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Franklin is $191,623, well above $100K. Air Traffic Controllers with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Franklin?

In Franklin, the gap between entry level ($78,352) and top earners ($191,623) is $113,271, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Wisconsin

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: