Air Traffic Controller Salary in Crystal Lake, IL: $140,442 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Crystal Lake, IL earns a median $140,442/year (≈ $67.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Crystal Lake's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $144,636 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in Crystal Lake, the 2026 median annual salary is projected at $140,442, reflecting the financial benefits of overtime that often accompanies extended workweeks in understaffed facilities. The salary range spans from $81,456 at the 10th percentile to $201,983 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse compensation opportunity within this profession. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variances. While this local median is lower than the national average of $151,886, the earning potential here is bolstered by the necessity for extensive overtime, making it a viable option for those considering a career in air traffic control in Crystal Lake, IL.
About the Crystal Lake Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,456 | $39.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,123 | $48.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,442 | $67.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $179,765 | $86.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,983 | $97.10 |
Median Salary Position
7.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Crystal Lake
In Crystal Lake, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,527 (2026 est.). At $140,442, the local median is 7.53% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Crystal Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Crystal Lake Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Crystal Lake median: $140,442/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Crystal Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,523 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.53% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $140,442 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.53% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $147,523.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Crystal Lake 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.
Crystal Lake, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $140,442 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,636 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,723
2025 BLS Actual
$136,923
2026 Current Est.
$140,442
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Crystal Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,723 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,594 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,974 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,286 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,029 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,849 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,923 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,442 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,051 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Crystal Lake metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,723 (2019) to $136,923 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,051 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,328 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Crystal Lake 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) | $81,456 – $101,123 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,123 – $140,442 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,442 – $179,765 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $179,765 – $201,983 |
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 Crystal Lake
In the Crystal Lake job market, currently employing nine air traffic controllers, there are specific dynamics at play regarding compensation. The cost-of-living index of 97.1 implies that while salaries may be below the national median, the purchasing power is relatively stable, which can enhance the standard of living for controllers in the area. Among the various employers, FAA en route centers typically offer higher salaries compared to terminal and tower positions, due to the complexity and volume of traffic managed. Factors that contribute to the pay disparity include facility levels, certification status, and shifts, with controllers receiving additional pay for night, Sunday, and holiday shifts as well as ample overtime opportunities. To maximize earnings, controllers should aim for positions that offer en route operations or strive for CPC certification while leveraging overtime hours, making the most of the opportunities available within Crystal Lake’s unique job market.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, 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 $136,923 for air traffic controllersin the Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake 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