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Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Air Traffic Controllers make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$181,560
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.7% vs 2024
$164,200
Mean Salary
$181,560
Median Salary
$87.29
Hourly Rate
990 people work as Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois

Air Traffic Controllers salary by percentile in Illinois

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Air Traffic Controllers salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $83,990$83,99025th25% earn less than $117,500$117,500MedianHalf earn more than $181,560$181,56075th75% earn less than $209,440$209,44090thTop 10% earn more than $225,680$225,680

Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois earn a median salary of $181,560 per year ($15,130/month). This is 36.1% above the national average of $133,445. Illinois ranks #2 out of 43 states for Air Traffic Controllers pay. Approximately 990 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries increased by 3.7% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Air Traffic Controllers

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

Top Skills

Active Listening
4.38
Speaking
4.25
Critical Thinking
4.12
Judgment and Decision Making
4.12
Monitoring
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Transportation
4.18
English Language
3.93
Public Safety and Security
3.76
Education and Training
3.75
Customer and Personal Service
3.6
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (36.1% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois

Salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois range from $83,990 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $225,680 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $117,500 and $209,440.

Median $181,560
P10: $83,990 P25: $117,500 P75: $209,440 P90: $225,680
10th
$83,990
25th
$117,500
Median
$181,560
75th
$209,440
90th
$225,680
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $83,990 $40.38 $6,999
25th Percentile $117,500 $56.49 $9,791
Median (50th) $181,560 $87.29 $15,130
75th Percentile $209,440 $100.69 $17,453
90th Percentile (Experienced) $225,680 $108.50 $18,806

Note: The mean (average) salary of $164,200 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#2
Illinois ranks #2 of 43 states
$133,445
National avg. for Air Traffic Controllers
+36.1%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Air Traffic Controllers salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Air Traffic Controllers take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Air Traffic Controllers Data in Illinois

Air Traffic Controllers Salary by State

Compare Air Traffic Controllers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Air Traffic Controllers make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois is $181,560 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $164,200.
What is the salary range for a Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois?
Salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois range from $83,990 at the 10th percentile to $225,680 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $117,500 and $209,440.
What is the starting salary for a Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois?
Entry-level Air Traffic Controllers positions in Illinois typically start around $83,990 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $117,500 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 990 people are employed as Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois is approximately $87.29 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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