Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Gurnee, IL: $69.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Gurnee, IL runs $69.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,340 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Gurnee's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,199 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gurnee, Illinois, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $69.87 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. This competitive rate allows for attractive earning potential for both part-time and full-time air traffic controllers. By working a typical three-day work week, controllers can balance professional responsibilities in various settings such as en route centers, terminal radar approaches, and airport traffic control towers. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in Gurnee starts from $40.53 for entry-level positions, reaching up to $95.88 for the most experienced controllers. These figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting the diverse nature and demands of air traffic control work.
About the Gurnee 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) | $40.53 | $324.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.31 | $402.48 |
| Median (P50) | $69.87 | $558.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.16 | $697.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.88 | $767.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gurnee
Based on $69.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.87/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gurnee, IL can expect to earn approximately $145,331 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,845. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gurnee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gurnee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,794.83 | $12,111 | $145,331 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,676.90 | $7,267 | $87,199 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,117.93 | $4,844 | $58,132 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Gurnee) | $69.87 |
| 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 Gurnee, IL earn a median of $145,340 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.31% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $147,553.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.87/hr = $87,199/year (purchasing power: $89,803).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,331/year (purchasing power: $149,671).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Gurnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Gurnee grew 20.4% from $56.58/hr (2019) to $68.12/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.67/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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee
With the potential to earn significantly different amounts, part-time air traffic controllers opting for a 24-hour work week (three days) can expect to see annual earnings that differ considerably from their full-time counterparts. Those dedicating themselves to the profession full-time often mitigate the chronic understaffing within facilities, frequently working overtime that can escalate their effective hourly compensation beyond base rates—many controllers report overtime earnings that can raise total pay by $50k-$100k annually. Working under the various employer types in Gurnee, such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contract towers, can significantly alter hourly pay. While some choose positions offering higher hourly rates without additional benefits, others may prefer lower pay with comprehensive health insurance options. As negotiations for positions commence, it is wise for candidates to consider the benefits versus the pay rate, ensuring decisions align with long-term career goals and priorities in this challenging field.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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 Gurnee. 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 Gurnee 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