Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Lombard, IL: $68.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Lombard, IL runs $68.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,903 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Lombard's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,739 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Lombard, Illinois, can expect a median hourly rate of $68.70 in 2026, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This figure plays a significant role in shaping the potential earnings for part-time controllers, especially those who may work three days a week or as per diem workers in various settings, such as en route centers or airport control towers. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in Lombard is projected to vary widely from $39.85 for entry-level positions up to $98.67 for those at the top of the pay scale. These estimates are based on annual salary data, reflecting the unique demands and responsibilities associated with air traffic management in both active and simulation environments.
About the Lombard 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) | $39.85 | $318.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.91 | $407.24 |
| Median (P50) | $68.70 | $549.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.94 | $703.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.67 | $789.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lombard
Based on $68.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.70/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lombard, IL can expect to earn approximately $142,899 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,442. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lombard.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lombard
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,748.06 | $11,908 | $142,899 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,648.83 | $7,145 | $85,739 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,099.22 | $4,763 | $57,160 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Lombard) | $68.70 |
| 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 Lombard, IL earn a median of $142,903 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.91% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.10% below the Illinois state average of $147,474.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.70/hr = $85,739/year (purchasing power: $88,300).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,899/year (purchasing power: $147,167).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Lombard grew 20.4% from $55.63/hr (2019) to $66.98/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.47/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 Lombard 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 Lombard
The earning potential for a part-time air traffic controller working three days a week would yield approximately $84,960 annually, compared to a full-time salary which can surpass $142,903. Those utilizing per diem arrangements can see their compensation fluctuate, especially with opportunities for overtime, which can drive earnings significantly higher than the base hourly figures. Many air traffic controllers at understaffed facilities in Lombard often work 50 to 60 hours per week, effectively combining their base pay with additional compensation that can reach $50k to $100k in overtime. The varying hourly rates can also differ depending on the employer type, such as FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities, or military air traffic control. For some, the trade-off between a slightly lower hourly pay for benefits like healthcare versus higher pay without such coverage is an ongoing consideration. Controllers should consider negotiating their rates based on facility needs and their unique qualifications, enhancing their financial standing in an environment where experienced personnel are in high demand.
More salary data for Lombard, 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 Lombard. 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 Lombard 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