Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Carbondale, IL: $66.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Carbondale, IL runs $66.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,139 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Carbondale's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,885 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carbondale, Illinois, the median hourly pay for an air traffic controller is projected at $66.41 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02 per hour. This local figure suggests that air traffic controllers here may face distinct economic considerations compared to their counterparts in other regions. For those working part-time, such as controllers on a typical three-day work schedule, this means earning around $1,600 weekly, which can translate into significant annual compensation depending on the number of hours worked. The hourly wage for entry-level controllers in Carbondale starts at approximately $40.02, while top earners positioned within competitive settings can make up to $91.96 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections as air traffic management typically occurs in environments ranging from en route centers to airport towers, influencing the hourly rates reflective of experience and facility type.
About the Carbondale 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) | $40.02 | $320.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.80 | $398.38 |
| Median (P50) | $66.41 | $531.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.95 | $671.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.96 | $735.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carbondale
Based on $66.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.41/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carbondale, IL can expect to earn approximately $138,141 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,697. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carbondale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carbondale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,656.56 | $11,512 | $138,141 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,593.94 | $6,907 | $82,885 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,062.63 | $4,605 | $55,257 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Carbondale) | $66.41 |
| 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 Carbondale, IL earn a median of $138,139 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.05% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.30% below the Illinois state average of $147,427.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.41/hr = $82,885/year (purchasing power: $85,360).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,141/year (purchasing power: $142,267).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Carbondale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Carbondale grew 20.4% from $53.78/hr (2019) to $64.75/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.12/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 Carbondale 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 Carbondale
The potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Carbondale can be substantial, as those working 24 hours a week could earn about $104,000 annually, which is quite competitive relative to full-time positions that reflect deeper involvement at air traffic facilities. Furthermore, many controllers often earn significant supplemental income through overtime, as understaffing in the FAA has led to many controllers clocking 50 to 60 hours a week to meet demand—this can lead to effective hourly compensation that dramatically elevates total earnings. With agencies hiring per diem air traffic controllers, the negotiation for compensation can be critical, especially when considering the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits versus more stable regular employment that offers health insurance. Adjustments in pay can also vary across different employer types in the region, including FAA ARTCCs and contract towers, making careful assessment of job offers essential for navigating the local air traffic controller job scene effectively.
More salary data for Carbondale, 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 Carbondale. 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 Carbondale 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