Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $93.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Chicago, IL runs $93.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $194,657 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $90.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $116,794 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Air traffic controllers in Chicago, Illinois, command a median hourly pay of $93.58, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This strong compensation reflects the demanding nature of the job, which typically occurs in settings like en route centers, TRACON facilities, and control towers, all of which require high levels of focus and precision. The pay scale varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $44.23 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $111.29 per hour. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2026 highlights the lucrative prospects for controllers in the region, especially for those considering part-time roles or per-diem work, which can offer flexibility alongside competitive pay.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.23 | $353.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71.66 | $573.24 |
| Median (P50) | $93.58 | $748.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.28 | $826.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.29 | $890.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $93.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $93.58/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $194,657 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $112,302. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,743.39 | $16,221 | $194,657 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,246.04 | $9,733 | $116,794 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,497.36 | $6,489 | $77,863 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Chicago) | $93.58 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $194,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.16% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 32.00% above the Illinois state average of $147,468.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $93.58/hr = $116,794/year (purchasing power: $112,741).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $194,657/year (purchasing power: $187,901).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$73.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$91.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$93.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $79.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $80.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $82.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $86.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $88.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $91.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Chicago grew 23.7% from $73.73/hr (2019) to $91.24/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $95.99/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
Examining the financial dynamics at play, part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week can still achieve significant take-home earnings, potentially nearing the annual income of some full-time workers depending on their hours and facility assignments. For those in agency or per-diem roles, overtime is another determining factor; controllers often clock in extra hours during understaffed shifts, resulting in effective hourly compensation that can exceed initial base rates. Additionally, compensation varies based on employer type—FAA facilities, military positions, and contract towers each present different pay scales and benefits. Some individuals may opt for lower-paying roles that offer health insurance, valuing security over a potentially higher hourly wage. Understanding this nuanced market can be beneficial for those negotiating their pay in Chicago’s air traffic control environment.
More salary data for Chicago, 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 Chicago. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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