Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Wheaton, IL: $69.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Wheaton, IL runs $69.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,950 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,968 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Wheaton, IL are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $69.69, which is approximately 4.57% lower than the national median of $73.02. This hourly pay reflects the demands and responsibilities tied to the role, whether in an en route center managing air traffic at high altitudes, or in a TRACON facility coordinating aircraft within a 50-mile radius of major airports. For part-time controllers working three days a week, the income can be substantial, allowing for a balanced lifestyle while still engaging in critical aviation operations. The hourly compensation for air traffic controllers ranges from $40.42 at the entry level to $102.32 for those at the top of their game, which highlights the potential for growth within the profession, particularly for controllers who acquire experience and skills in this specialized field.
About the Wheaton 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) | $40.42 | $323.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.34 | $402.73 |
| Median (P50) | $69.69 | $557.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.19 | $713.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.32 | $818.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $69.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.69/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, IL can expect to earn approximately $144,947 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,623. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,787.44 | $12,079 | $144,947 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,672.47 | $7,247 | $86,968 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,114.98 | $4,832 | $57,979 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Wheaton) | $69.69 |
| 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 Wheaton, IL earn a median of $144,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.57% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $147,457.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.69/hr = $86,968/year (purchasing power: $89,566).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,947/year (purchasing power: $149,276).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Wheaton grew 20.4% from $56.43/hr (2019) to $67.94/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.48/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
Examining the earning potential for a part-time air traffic controller reveals substantial differences compared to full-time schedules. A controller working 3 days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, would take home around $81,744 annually. In this profession, many controllers also have opportunities to boost their earnings through overtime, as positions in understaffed facilities often require individuals to work 50-60 hours per week. This can lead to an additional income of $50,000 to $100,000 from overtime alone, creating an attractive scenario for those willing to adapt their work hours. Regarding employer variations in Wheaton, hourly pay can differ significantly depending on whether a controller is working in an FAA en route center, a TRACON, or an airport traffic control tower. Some controllers may accept positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might prefer higher rates without additional perks. Understanding these dynamics can empower air traffic controllers to negotiate their compensation effectively, ensuring they align their choices with their financial goals and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Wheaton, 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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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