Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Carpentersville, IL: $69.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Carpentersville, IL runs $69.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,806 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Carpentersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,290 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carpentersville, Illinois, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at $69.14, which is slightly lower than the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate translates to a substantial earning potential for both full-time and part-time controllers in diverse working environments, such as en route centers, terminal radar facilities, and control towers. For part-time workers operating a typical schedule of three days a week, this pay structure allows them to earn a decent income while maintaining a flexible lifestyle. The hourly rate varies among controllers, ranging from $40.10 for entry-level positions to $100.14 for top earners, reflecting the disparities in experience and responsibility. Given that these figures are derived from projected annual salaries in 2026, they offer a glimpse into a profession that requires significant skill and training yet provides competitive compensation in various operational settings.
About the Carpentersville 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) | $40.10 | $320.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.23 | $401.83 |
| Median (P50) | $69.14 | $553.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.50 | $707.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.14 | $801.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carpentersville
Based on $69.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.14/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carpentersville, IL can expect to earn approximately $143,816 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,971. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carpentersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carpentersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,765.70 | $11,985 | $143,816 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,659.42 | $7,191 | $86,290 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,106.28 | $4,794 | $57,527 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Carpentersville) | $69.14 |
| 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 Carpentersville, IL earn a median of $143,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% below the Illinois state average of $147,494.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.14/hr = $86,290/year (purchasing power: $88,867).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,816/year (purchasing power: $148,112).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Carpentersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Carpentersville grew 20.4% from $55.99/hr (2019) to $67.41/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.92/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 Carpentersville 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 Carpentersville
For air traffic controllers in Carpentersville, working part-time can yield distinct financial outcomes. A typical 24-hour workweek could generate substantial annual earnings, especially when stacking shifts or taking on per-diem opportunities. The potential for considerable overtime pay—often 1.5 times the base hourly rate—can elevate earnings significantly, as controllers in understaffed facilities frequently log 50 to 60 hours weekly, contributing to annual salaries exceeding $50,000 in additional compensation. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Carpentersville may also be negotiated during facility training transfers, offering flexible opportunities for those seeking to optimize income. Employment types vary widely across the region, from FAA en route centers to military installations and contract towers, with benefits and compensation structures tailored to each. Controllers often face trade-offs between higher hourly rates and the benefits that come with full-time FAA employment, which can influence their overall job satisfaction and financial strategy. For those negotiating hourly pay in the area, it’s essential to consider the broader employment landscape, including how different facilities compensate their staff based on unique operational needs and competitive pressures.
More salary data for Carpentersville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Carpentersville in 2026?
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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 Carpentersville. 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 Carpentersville 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