Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Springfield, IL: $70.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Springfield, IL runs $70.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,621 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Springfield, Illinois, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $70.21, which falls slightly below the national average of $73.02. This rate offers a competitive compensation for those engaged in part-time work; a controller working three days a week at this hourly rate could earn a substantial income without committing to full-time hours. The pay range for air traffic controllers in this area is notably wide, spanning from $40.72 for entry-level positions to $105.99 for those at the higher end of the pay scale. Typically, controllers operate in environments such as en route centers, terminal radar approach facilities, and airport control towers, where the intensity and responsibilities vary. These figures are estimated from annual salary data, providing a general idea of potential earnings in a demanding yet rewarding profession.
About the Springfield 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) | $40.72 | $325.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.55 | $404.37 |
| Median (P50) | $70.21 | $561.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.86 | $718.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105.99 | $847.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $70.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.21/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $146,035 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,251. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,808.37 | $12,170 | $146,035 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,685.02 | $7,302 | $87,621 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,123.35 | $4,868 | $58,414 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Springfield) | $70.21 |
| 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 Springfield, IL earn a median of $146,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.85% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% below the Illinois state average of $147,506.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.21/hr = $87,621/year (purchasing power: $90,238).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,035/year (purchasing power: $150,397).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Springfield grew 20.4% from $56.85/hr (2019) to $68.45/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.01/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
Focusing on the pragmatic aspects of air traffic controller hourly pay in Springfield, part-time controllers working 24 hours a week can take home approximately $70,000 a year, a solid income compared to many professions. Additionally, per-diem and agency controllers have the unique opportunity to negotiate their pay, often resulting in significantly higher earnings. Overtime, which many controllers at understaffed facilities routinely undertake, can increase effective hourly compensation considerably, often leading to overall earnings in the range of $50,000 to $100,000 above the base salary. The pay variations among employers reflect the nuanced landscape of air traffic control positions, from FAA centers managing high-altitude traffic to contract tower facilities serving smaller airports. Some controllers may opt for lower hourly wages for a comprehensive benefits package, while others may prefer higher pay without benefits. Negotiation tactics here can be vital; controllers should explore flexible scheduling and potential overtime opportunities to maximize their hourly pay in this competitive field in Springfield.
More salary data for Springfield, 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 Springfield. 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 Springfield 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