Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Carol Stream, IL: $68.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Carol Stream, IL runs $68.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Carol Stream's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,791 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carol Stream, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is $68.74, slightly below the national median of $73.02. This position reflects the competitive dynamics of the job market, particularly within FAA en route centers and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this equates to an annual income of approximately $107,358 for 24 hours of work each week. The hourly wage ranges from $39.87 for entry-level roles to $98.82 for highly experienced professionals, indicating that even entry-level positions offer robust earnings in a demanding field. Air traffic controllers often work in environments designed for high concentration, such as radar facilities and control towers, balancing the needs of safety and efficiency while managing a steady flow of aircraft.
About the Carol Stream 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) | $39.87 | $318.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.00 | $407.98 |
| Median (P50) | $68.74 | $549.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.99 | $703.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.82 | $790.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carol Stream
Based on $68.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.74/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carol Stream, IL can expect to earn approximately $142,984 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,491. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carol Stream.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carol Stream
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,749.70 | $11,915 | $142,984 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,649.82 | $7,149 | $85,791 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,099.88 | $4,766 | $57,194 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Carol Stream) | $68.74 |
| 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 Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $142,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.85% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $147,416.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.74/hr = $85,791/year (purchasing power: $88,353).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,984/year (purchasing power: $147,255).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Carol Stream grew 20.4% from $55.66/hr (2019) to $67.02/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.51/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 Carol Stream 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 Carol Stream
While the base hourly pay may seem attractive, the real financial picture can be much more complex. Those working part-time may earn significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, who often work upwards of 50-60 hours a week due to chronic understaffing in the FAA system. Overtime pay can dramatically increase earnings, with controllers capable of seeing their effective hourly rates exceed base figures due to time-and-a-half compensation. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Carol Stream can also be negotiated during training transfers, adding another layer to overall compensation. Employment at different types of facilities further diversifies potential pay; FAA en route centers generally offer higher rates than smaller airport contract towers or military installations. This trade-off between pay and benefits often influences career choices among controllers. Those leaning towards agencies that provide comprehensive health insurance may accept lower hourly rates, while others may prioritize raw compensation without benefits. Understanding these nuances is essential for maximizing income in a career marked by mandatory retirement at age 56 and varied career paths through different hiring channels.
More salary data for Carol Stream, 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 Carol Stream. 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 Carol Stream 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