Air Traffic Controller Salary in DeKalb, IL: $141,918 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in DeKalb, IL earns a median $141,918/year (≈ $68.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in DeKalb's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $146,157 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeKalb, Illinois, the expected median annual pay for air traffic controllers in 2026 stands at $141,918, a figure slightly below the national average of $151,886. The local salary range reflects comprehensive market dynamics, with earnings ranging from $82,312 for entry-level positions (P10) to $206,947 for top performers (P90). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, accounting for local cost-of-living adjustments. Given DeKalb's current economic conditions, controllers can expect challenges and opportunities shaped by the region's specific job market and the broader demands of the aviation industry.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,312 | $39.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,969 | $49.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,918 | $68.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,075 | $84.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,947 | $99.49 |
Median Salary Position
6.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeKalb
In DeKalb, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,635 (2026 est.). At $141,918, the local median is 6.56% below the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in DeKalb: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeKalb Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
DeKalb median: $141,918/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeKalb Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,524 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -6.56% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $141,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $147,524.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeKalb 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.
DeKalb, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $141,918 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $146,157 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,919
2025 BLS Actual
$138,362
2026 Current Est.
$141,918
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,919 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,861 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,235 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,571 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,364 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,287 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,362 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,918 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,565 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeKalb metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $114,919 (2019) to $138,362 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,565 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,646 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb 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) | $82,312 – $103,969 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,969 – $141,918 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,918 – $176,075 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,075 – $206,947 |
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 DeKalb
Despite having only nine air traffic controllers currently employed in the market, DeKalb's relatively low cost of living, with an index of 97.1, suggests that controllers may find their take-home pay stretches further than in more expensive regions. Major employers include FAA en route centers, which typically offer higher salaries compared to terminal facilities and control towers. The pay disparities can be attributed to various factors such as facility type and certification levels, with the highest pay generally found within en route facilities. Controllers looking to maximize their earnings should consider shift differentials and the potential for overtime, which has become increasingly abundant amid staffing shortages. Strategic moves, including pursuing CPC status, can significantly enhance earning potential in the long run, making the air traffic controller pay landscape in DeKalb an enticing opportunity for those committed to the profession.
More salary data for DeKalb, 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 $138,362 for air traffic controllersin the DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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