Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Bartlett, IL: $69.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Bartlett, IL runs $69.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,780 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Bartlett's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,866 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bartlett, Illinois, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to reach $69.60 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate allows for a lucrative opportunity, particularly for those engaged in part-time or per-diem work. Part-time controllers working three days per week might generate substantial income given the frequency of shifts in various settings, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. The hourly range extends from $40.37 at the entry level to $94.99 for the most experienced professionals, illustrating the significant earning potential based on skill and experience. These hourly estimates derive from the annual salary figures but reflect the distinct dynamics of the profession within both local and national contexts.
About the Bartlett Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.37 | $322.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.12 | $400.93 |
| Median (P50) | $69.60 | $556.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.01 | $704.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.99 | $759.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bartlett
Based on $69.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.60/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bartlett, IL can expect to earn approximately $144,776 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,525. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bartlett.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bartlett
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,784.16 | $12,065 | $144,776 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,670.50 | $7,239 | $86,866 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,113.66 | $4,826 | $57,911 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Bartlett) | $69.60 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Bartlett, IL earn a median of $144,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.68% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $147,433.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.60/hr = $86,866/year (purchasing power: $89,460).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,776/year (purchasing power: $149,100).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bartlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Bartlett grew 20.4% from $56.36/hr (2019) to $67.86/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.39/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bartlett 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Bartlett
Exploring the financial reality for air traffic controllers in Bartlett reveals notable variance in income potential, especially for those working part-time compared to their full-time counterparts. A controller operating three days per week, which typically accounts for around 24 hours, could see significant returns; however, the income will likely be lower than that of full-time peers who often work a standard 40-hour week. The allure of overtime also plays a critical role in this profession. Many controllers are accumulating 50-60 hours weekly, leading to effective hourly compensation that exceeds base rates. Various employers, including FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contracting units, offer different pay scales and working conditions. Controllers might accept a lower hourly rate for job stability and benefits or pursue higher pay without benefits in agency positions. Knowing how to negotiate effectively for per diem air traffic controller pay in Bartlett can significantly impact overall earnings, particularly amid chronic staffing challenges making overtime a common necessity in the field.
More salary data for Bartlett, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Bartlett. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bartlett 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