Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Collinsville, IL: $83,647 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Collinsville, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,647 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Collinsville's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,145 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($144,219) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the air traffic control field in Collinsville, Illinois, the starting pay is projected to be around $83,647 in 2026. This figure represents a significant initial point in a career trajectory, especially when compared to the median annual salary of $144,219 for air traffic controllers in the area. New graduates can expect to see a gradual increase in their earnings as they gain experience, with first-year salaries eventually approaching the 25th percentile benchmark of $103,838 within a few years. Given the city’s current economic environment, Collinsville presents a viable market for aspiring controllers, who can anticipate growth opportunities as they rise through entry-level positions in a field that remains in demand.
About the Collinsville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Collinsville
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Collinsville
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Collinsville, IL typically start between $83,647 and $103,838 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,165 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $144,219 — 5.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Illinois of $52,000 represents just 62.17% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($83,647/year) in Collinsville. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Collinsville
- 1Research the Collinsville market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $83,647 to $103,838, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Collinsville, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Collinsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Collinsville's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Collinsville is $117,165 ( 140.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,647, experienced hygienists can earn up to $200,812.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,058
2025 BLS Actual
$81,551
2026 Current Est.
$83,647
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Collinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,058 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,665 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,528 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,232 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,507 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,551 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,647 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,797 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Collinsville, IL grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,058 in 2019 to $81,551 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,797. New graduates entering the Collinsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collinsville 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Collinsville
In Collinsville, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary employer actively seeking new graduates for air traffic controller positions. Typically, the FAA recruits through public bid windows that favor applicants under the age of 31, unless they qualify through military service. New hires typically benefit from the FAA's Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, which partners with select universities to ease the transition into the workforce. To secure a position, candidates must be U.S. citizens, have a relevant degree or equivalent work experience, and successfully pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Though starting pay may seem modest, after completing training at the FAA Academy and facility-specific qualifications, controllers can expect to see significant upward movement in the coming years. Given the demand for air traffic controllers and the ongoing issue of staffing shortages post-2013, newly hired controllers in Collinsville have the potential to earn salaries reflecting their increasing responsibility, with long-term growth possible through diligent performance and continued education.
More salary data for Collinsville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Collinsville in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Collinsville?
Is aviation school worth it in Collinsville?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Collinsville?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Illinois?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Collinsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Collinsville 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