Air Traffic Controller Salary in Algonquin, IL: $143,120 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Algonquin, IL earns a median $143,120/year (≈ $68.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Algonquin's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $147,394 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $143,120 for air traffic controllers in Algonquin, Illinois, the compensation reflects a competitive landscape relative to the national figure of $151,886. The local salary range varies significantly, from $83,010 at the 10th percentile to $205,968 at the 90th percentile, suggesting substantial earning potential for experienced controllers. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional pricing, indicate a robust job market for air traffic controllers, particularly for those situated within higher-pay tier facilities. As controllers focus on their specific facility levels—such as en route, terminal, or tower—the pay implications become increasingly relevant, impacting their overall career satisfaction and financial stability in Algonquin.
About the Algonquin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,010 | $39.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,315 | $51.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $143,120 | $68.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183,194 | $88.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,968 | $99.02 |
Median Salary Position
5.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Algonquin
In Algonquin, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,958 (2026 est.). At $143,120, the local median is 5.77% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Algonquin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Algonquin Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Algonquin median: $143,120/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Algonquin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,546 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -5.77% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Algonquin, IL earn a median of $143,120 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.77% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $147,546.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Algonquin has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Algonquin, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $143,120 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,394 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,892
2025 BLS Actual
$139,534
2026 Current Est.
$143,120
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Algonquin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,892 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,893 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,262 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,618 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,452 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,458 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,534 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,120 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,798 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Algonquin metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $115,892 (2019) to $139,534 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,798 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,906 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Algonquin 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $83,010 – $106,315 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,315 – $143,120 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $143,120 – $183,194 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $183,194 – $205,968 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Algonquin
In terms of job availability, Algonquin currently employs five air traffic controllers, indicating a localized yet stable employment environment. The cost-of-living index for the area stands at 97.1, which suggests that while salaries may be slightly lower than the national median, the overall affordability allows for adequate purchasing power. Among local employers, FAA en route centers typically pay more than terminal radar approach control facilities and airport traffic control towers, driven by the complexity and scope of their responsibilities. Factors contributing to salary variation include facility tier, CPC certification, shift differentials, and mandatory overtime, which is often necessary due to chronic staffing shortages. For individuals aspiring to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Algonquin, pursuing certification as a CPC at a higher-level facility, alongside negotiating shift differentials and seeking overtime opportunities, will be crucial strategies moving forward.
More salary data for Algonquin, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $139,534 for air traffic controllersin the Algonquin metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Algonquin 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