Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Streamwood, IL: $67.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Streamwood, IL runs $67.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,968 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Streamwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,587 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Streamwood, Illinois, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $67.78, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This competitive rate can have a significant impact, particularly for part-time controllers who may work around three days a week. In these settings—typically found in control rooms, approach control facilities, and airport towers—the part-time earnings can be substantial, offering flexibility while still providing a solid income. Those just entering the field can expect hourly rates starting around $39.30, while experienced controllers can earn up to $97.79, with a broad range that reflects the various levels of responsibility and expertise across different facilities. These numbers are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data, set to reflect the conditions and demand of the air traffic control profession in 2026.
About the Streamwood 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) | $39.30 | $314.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.10 | $392.80 |
| Median (P50) | $67.78 | $542.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.75 | $694.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.79 | $782.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Streamwood
Based on $67.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.78/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Streamwood, IL can expect to earn approximately $140,979 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,334. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Streamwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Streamwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,711.13 | $11,748 | $140,979 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,626.68 | $7,049 | $84,587 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,084.45 | $4,699 | $56,392 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Streamwood) | $67.78 |
| 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 Streamwood, IL earn a median of $140,968 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.19% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.40% below the Illinois state average of $147,456.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.78/hr = $84,587/year (purchasing power: $87,114).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,979/year (purchasing power: $145,189).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Streamwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Streamwood grew 20.4% from $54.88/hr (2019) to $66.08/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.52/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 Streamwood 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 Streamwood
Part-time air traffic controllers working 24 hours per week can anticipate an annual take-home amount reflecting a comfortable lifestyle, especially when considering the lower cost of living index in Streamwood at 97.1. While full-time controllers work about 40 hours weekly, many in understaffed environments may regularly take on additional shifts or overtime, which can boost their effective hourly compensation significantly. For instance, controllers consistently logging 50-60 hour workweeks often see their annual incomes swell with overtime pay, pushing total earnings into the six-figure range, particularly in stressed facilities. The nature of employment also diverges by setting; FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport control towers have varying pay structures, sometimes favoring fewer benefits in exchange for higher hourly rates. Negotiating for compensation is crucial, especially in positions that may offer lower base salaries but greater job security and health benefits. Understanding the unique considerations of per diem air traffic controller pay in Streamwood can further enhance one's negotiating strategy to secure equitable compensation in this competitive field.
More salary data for Streamwood, 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 Streamwood. 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 Streamwood 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