Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Menomonie, WI: $180,266 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Menomonie, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $180,266/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Menomonie's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $193,004 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The salary potential for a senior air traffic controller in Menomonie, Wisconsin, reflects the significant experience premium associated with this role. By 2026, the top earners in this profession can expect a salary reaching $180,266, a stark contrast to the median annual salary of $133,342 for experienced air traffic controllers. This $46,924 gap illustrates the rewards of advancing in the field and achieving top-tier pay, which usually requires extensive experience, specialized training, and proficiency in high-pressure environments. Aiming for this higher compensation level generally involves pursuing advanced certifications, consistently excelling in performance evaluations, and possibly transitioning within different types of air traffic control facilities over time.
About the Menomonie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Menomonie
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Menomonie earn between $165,562 and $180,266 per year (2026 est.). This $102,927 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Menomonie median of $133,342 sits 12.21% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Menomonie | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $133,342 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,562 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $180,266 | $221,151 |
In Menomonie, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 35.19% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Menomonie
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $133,342 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Menomonie employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Menomonie command premium compensation, often reaching the $165,562–$180,266 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Menomonie 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 Menomonie 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 Menomonie
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMenomonie ranks #42 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $180,266).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Menomonie ($180,266) is 11.9% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($204,615).
2019 BLS Actual
$143,723
2025 BLS Actual
$175,749
2026 Current Est.
$180,266
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Menomonie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $143,723 | Actual |
| 2020 | $150,619 | Actual |
| 2021 | $151,605 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,711 | Actual |
| 2023 | $163,832 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,289 | Actual |
| 2025 | $175,749 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $180,266 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $184,899 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Menomonie saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $143,723 in 2019 to $175,749 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 $184,899 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonie 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 Menomonie
In Menomonie, various specializations significantly influence senior air traffic controller pay. Controllers focusing on en route and radar operations command the highest salaries, closely followed by those working in terminal radar, tower facilities, or who take on roles such as traffic management coordinators or instructors at the FAA Academy. As compensation can differ dramatically based on employment types, FAA en route centers typically offer the best pay due to their responsibilities in managing high-altitude traffic, while contract towers and military ATC might present other varying pay structures. Moreover, advancement paths within this profession are well-defined, often leading from developmental controller to positions such as certified professional controller and potentially to traffic management coordinator or facility manager. Gaining additional credentials and experience can enhance earning potential, particularly in light of ongoing staffing challenges that encourage substantial overtime and shift differential pay. The combination of these factors makes the senior air traffic controller job in Menomonie a lucrative option for those prepared to invest in their careers.
More salary data for Menomonie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Menomonie in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Menomonie?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Menomonie?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Menomonie?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Menomonie?
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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
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 $175,749 for air traffic controllers in the Menomonie 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 Menomonie 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