Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Palatine, IL: $71.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Palatine, IL runs $71.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,776 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Palatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,671 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Palatine, Illinois, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $71.05, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This pay rate provides a solid income foundation for both full-time and part-time professionals in various settings, including en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a manageable income that can support a fulfilling career while allowing for flexibility. The hourly pay scale ranges from $41.20 for entry-level positions to as much as $102.55 for experienced controllers who reach the upper echelons of their profession. These figures indicate a robust compensation system, estimated from annual salary data reflecting the demand and complexity of the role within the aviation sector.
About the Palatine 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) | $41.20 | $329.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.15 | $409.21 |
| Median (P50) | $71.05 | $568.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.94 | $727.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.55 | $820.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palatine
Based on $71.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.05/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palatine, IL can expect to earn approximately $147,784 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,260. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Palatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,842.01 | $12,315 | $147,784 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,705.21 | $7,389 | $88,671 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,136.80 | $4,926 | $59,114 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Palatine) | $71.05 |
| 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 Palatine, IL earn a median of $147,776 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.71% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% above the Illinois state average of $147,481.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.05/hr = $88,671/year (purchasing power: $91,319).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,784/year (purchasing power: $152,198).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Palatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Palatine grew 20.4% from $57.53/hr (2019) to $69.27/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.88/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 Palatine 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 Palatine
When considering the earning potential of an air traffic controller in Palatine, it’s crucial to factor in both part-time and per-diem roles. A part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week could realistically earn around $55,000 annually, a figure that highlights the advantages of flexibility versus the stability of full-time positions. Furthermore, due to the nature of the job and ongoing staffing shortages, many controllers work significant overtime, resulting in an effective hourly compensation rate that can exceed the base pay. Controllers at understaffed facilities may routinely log 50-60 hours per week, allowing them to potentially augment their salary substantially through overtime, which is paid at 1.5 times the standard rate. Different employer types across the region, such as FAA en route centers and contract towers, can also impact hourly compensation, with the FAA's military and civilian positions generally offering more consistent benefits. Controllers often weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without health benefits and more stable pay with comprehensive healthcare coverage, which is essential for planning long-term career moves in the industry. Negotiating for flexible shifts or overtime can provide additional advantages in this highly competitive field.
More salary data for Palatine, 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 Palatine. 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 Palatine 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