Air Traffic Controller Salary in Aurora, IL: $145,637 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Aurora, IL earns a median $145,637/year (≈ $70.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $149,987 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Illinois, the effective air traffic controller salary is significantly influenced by the dynamics of mandatory overtime, with controllers often putting in 50-60 hour weeks due to chronic staffing shortages. This reality contributes to a 2026 projected median salary of $145,637, just slightly below the national figure of $151,886. Compensation in Aurora falls within a range where the lowest earners can expect approximately $84,469 while the highest can earn up to $213,644. These figures are derived from state-level BLS estimates, taking into consideration regional cost adjustments. Given the pressures of managing air traffic efficiently at local facilities, the position of air traffic controllers remains critical, reflecting the demand in an evolving job market.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,469 | $40.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,858 | $50.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,637 | $70.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,416 | $89.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,644 | $102.71 |
Median Salary Position
4.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,175 (2026 est.). At $145,637, the local median is 4.11% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Aurora median: $145,637/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,555 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.11% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Aurora, IL earn a median of $145,637 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.11% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $147,555.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora 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.
Aurora, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $145,637 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $149,987 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$117,930
2025 BLS Actual
$141,988
2026 Current Est.
$145,637
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,055 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,412 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,809 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,728 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,911 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,988 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,637 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,380 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $117,930 (2019) to $141,988 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,380 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,450 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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) | $84,469 – $104,858 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,858 – $145,637 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,637 – $186,416 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,416 – $213,644 |
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 Aurora
The local air traffic controller job market in Aurora comprises about 44 professionals, presenting a snapshot of employment stability within a competitive field. The cost of living index in Aurora is 97.1, indicating affordability when compared to the national average, which in turn affects take-home purchasing power for those in this role. Employers within Aurora, including FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach controls, tend to offer the most competitive compensation. The wage disparity is often linked to facility type, certification status, and the abundance of overtime due to staffing challenges. For prospective controllers, achieving certification at higher facility levels and maximizing shift differentials can significantly enhance overall pay. Adopting strategies focused on securing developmental pay and effectively negotiating for overtime can further bolster earnings for air traffic controllers in Aurora, IL.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Aurora, IL in 2026?
Is Aurora, IL a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Aurora?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Aurora?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Aurora?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 $141,988 for air traffic controllersin the Aurora 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 Aurora 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