Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Moline, IL: $69.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Moline, IL runs $69.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,592 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Moline's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,352 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Moline, Illinois, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $69.99, positioning them slightly below the national hourly median, which stands at $73.02. This hourly wage suggests a solid earning potential for part-time workers and per-diem air traffic controllers who may only work three days a week. Given the nature of this profession, individuals may find themselves in various environments, including en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control towers, often working in shifts that require intense focus and attention to detail. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in Moline varies significantly, starting at $40.60 for entry-level positions and reaching as high as $96.29 for the most experienced controllers, illustrating the potential growth in this demanding field based on both skill and tenure.
About the Moline 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) | $40.60 | $324.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.39 | $403.14 |
| Median (P50) | $69.99 | $559.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.97 | $711.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.29 | $770.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moline
Based on $69.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.99/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moline, IL can expect to earn approximately $145,587 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,993. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Moline.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moline
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,799.75 | $12,132 | $145,587 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,679.85 | $7,279 | $87,352 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,119.90 | $4,853 | $58,235 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Moline) | $69.99 |
| 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 Moline, IL earn a median of $145,592 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.14% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $147,510.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.99/hr = $87,352/year (purchasing power: $89,961).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,587/year (purchasing power: $149,935).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Moline grew 20.4% from $56.68/hr (2019) to $68.24/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.79/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 Moline 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 Moline
When considering part-time work, a controller in Moline operating three days a week can expect a significant difference in earnings compared to full-time counterparts. Although the base hourly pay might seem appealing, many air traffic controllers find themselves working overtime, often clocking in 50-60 hours a week, which can lead to an effective hourly compensation that far surpasses the base rate. In Moline, where staffing shortages continue, particularly in FAA facilities, controllers often benefit from enough work to generate an annual earnings spike due to overtime pay, including a per diem component during training transfers. Controllers employed by different entities, such as FAA en route centers, TRACON facilities, and contract towers, experience varying pay rates influenced by the specific demands of each environment. Some controllers opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, while others choose positions that offer comprehensive health coverage but might pay slightly less per hour. For individuals navigating wage negotiations, understanding the nuances of the hourly air traffic controller hourly pay in Moline and the trade-offs with employment types can be crucial in maximizing their earning potential.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Moline in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Moline?
Are air traffic controllers in Moline paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Moline?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Moline?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Moline. 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 Moline 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