Chicago vs Des Plaines: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $194,657▲ | $142,578 |
| Hourly Rate | $93.58▲ | $68.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,995▲ | $82,695 |
| 25th Percentile | $149,044▲ | $102,656 |
| 75th Percentile | $214,823▲ | $182,388 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,480▲ | $204,713 |
| Total Employed | 850▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Plaines.
The salary gap between Chicago and Des Plaines is $52,079 (36.53%). Chicago's median is +28.16% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $139,485,Des Plaines spans $122,018. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($187,902 effective) pays 27.97% more than Des Plaines ($146,836 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($194,657/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,480)
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $187,902)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Des Plaines if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Chicago grew 23.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.1% growth in Des Plaines over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$153,360 (2019) → $189,780 (2025)
Des Plaines, IL
$138,930 (2024) → $139,006 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Des Plaines, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Chicago or Des Plaines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Des Plaines?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Des Plaines as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Chicago vs Des Plaines?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov