Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Rock Island, IL: $68.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Rock Island, IL runs $68.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,337 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Rock Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,008 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Island, Illinois, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $68.92, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This figure reflects what controllers can expect working across various settings, such as en route center radar consoles or busy airport control towers. The hourly range for this profession spans from $39.97 for entry-level positions, showcasing the accessibility for those just starting their careers, up to $94.96 for the highest earners in the field. This hourly pay structure significantly influences part-time and per-diem opportunities, allowing individuals who work an average of three days a week to sustain a reasonable income while managing work-life balance in an often demanding job. The rates detailed here are projections based on 2025 BLS data, expected to evolve as the industry addresses ongoing challenges.
About the Rock Island 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) | $39.97 | $319.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.32 | $410.53 |
| Median (P50) | $68.92 | $551.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.42 | $691.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.96 | $759.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rock Island
Based on $68.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.92/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rock Island, IL can expect to earn approximately $143,347 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,700. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rock Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rock Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,756.67 | $11,946 | $143,347 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,654.00 | $7,167 | $86,008 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,102.67 | $4,778 | $57,339 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Rock Island) | $68.92 |
| 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 Rock Island, IL earn a median of $143,337 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.63% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.80% below the Illinois state average of $147,467.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.92/hr = $86,008/year (purchasing power: $88,577).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,347/year (purchasing power: $147,628).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Rock Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Rock Island grew 20.4% from $55.81/hr (2019) to $67.19/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.69/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 Rock Island 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 Rock Island
Focused earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Rock Island highlights an interesting contrast to full-time positions. A controller working part-time for just 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $85,539 annually, notably more than many might assume for a part-time role. The dynamics of per-diem air traffic controller pay in Rock Island further complicate factors like overtime. As many controllers work 50-60 hours a week due to chronic understaffing, particularly since the sequester of 2013, their effective hourly compensation can substantially exceed the base rate through overtime pay. In Rock Island, hourly rates may vary according to the type of employer, with federal FAA positions typically offering more stability compared to contract-tower arrangements. Controllers working in en route ARTCCs generally have better prospects for higher wages and benefits, which can be a key factor in negotiations. Others might prefer agencies that provide a higher hourly rate without benefits, highlighting the importance of evaluating trade-offs when considering job options in air traffic control.
More salary data for Rock Island, 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 Rock Island. 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 Rock Island 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