Air Traffic Controller Salary in Elmhurst, IL: $139,515 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Elmhurst, IL earns a median $139,515/year (≈ $67.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Elmhurst's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $143,682 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elmhurst, Illinois, the projected median compensation for an air traffic controller in 2026 reaches $139,515, which is slightly below the national median of $151,886. The salary range is quite broad, spanning from $80,918 at the lower end (P10) to $193,959 for those in the upper echelon (P90). These figures are derived from state-level BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reflecting the local economic conditions. Importantly, controllers in Elmhurst often find themselves working extensive hours—50 to 60 a week—due to ongoing staffing shortages, significantly boosting their overall earnings through mandatory overtime. This dynamic creates a competitive pay environment for those navigating the air traffic control field in Elmhurst.
About the Elmhurst Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,918 | $38.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,451 | $48.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,515 | $67.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,560 | $84.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,959 | $93.25 |
Median Salary Position
8.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elmhurst
In Elmhurst, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,041 (2026 est.). At $139,515, the local median is 8.14% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elmhurst: You'd be above the median
How Elmhurst Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Elmhurst median: $139,515/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elmhurst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,479 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.14% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $139,515 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.14% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $147,479.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elmhurst 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.
Elmhurst, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $139,515 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,682 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,973
2025 BLS Actual
$136,019
2026 Current Est.
$139,515
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,973 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,797 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,182 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,478 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,191 | Actual |
| 2024 | $135,945 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,019 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,515 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,100 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elmhurst metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $112,973 (2019) to $136,019 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,100 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,127 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elmhurst 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) | $80,918 – $100,451 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,451 – $139,515 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,515 – $175,560 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,560 – $193,959 |
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 Elmhurst
The job market for air traffic controllers in Elmhurst is relatively modest, with only nine professionals currently employed in the area. The cost-of-living index stands at 97.1, which indicates that while salaries may feel lower in comparison to national averages, the actual purchasing power of those earnings can stretch further locally. Among employers, the FAA en route centers generally offer the highest pay scales for air traffic controllers, followed closely by FAA terminal radar approach control facilities. Disparities in pay stem not only from the facility level—where en route facilities like Level 12 significantly outpace Level 7 airport control towers—but also from CPC certification levels and shift differentials that can enhance earnings. To maximize income in this local market, controllers should seek opportunities for overtime, consider moving to higher-tier facilities, and focus on obtaining CPC status to increase base pay effectively.
More salary data for Elmhurst, 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 $136,019 for air traffic controllersin the Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst 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