verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Illinois

Median Annual in Illinois
$181,560/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$87.29/hr
▲ 23% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Illinois

groups Employed in IL
990
public U.S. Median
$148,080
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$181,636 #3 of 43

Air Traffic Controller pay in Illinois, explained

Air traffic controllers in Illinois earn a median of $181,560 per year ($87.29 per hour), which is 23% above the national median of $148,080. Entry-level workers earn around $83,990, while the most experienced air traffic controllers reach about $225,680. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Illinois.

Is $181,560 good pay in Illinois?

Adjusted for Illinois's cost of living (which runs 100% of the U.S. average), that $181,560 is worth about $181,636 in national buying power — ranking Illinois #3 for real pay (vs #2 on the sticker number).

See the full Air Traffic Controller Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Air Traffic Controller pay by experience in Illinois

Entry level (10th pct)
$83,990
$40.38/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$181,560
$87.29/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$225,680
$108.50/hr

Air Traffic Controller pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs IL
Illinois (here) $181,560 $181,636
Indiana $158,810 $170,161 +$22,750
Kentucky $127,800 $141,750 +$53,760
Missouri $122,200 $134,556 +$59,360
Iowa $90,790 $103,450 +$90,770

Air Traffic Controller in Illinois: FAQ

How much do air traffic controllers make in Illinois?

Air traffic controllers in Illinois earn a median of $181,560 per year ($87.29 per hour), compared with $148,080 nationally.

Does Illinois pay air traffic controllers well?

At $181,560, Illinois pays 23% above the national median for air traffic controllers. An estimated 990 work in the state.

Air Traffic Controller salary in other states

All 43 states ranked arrow_forward

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