Air Traffic Controller Salary in Evanston, IL: $146,655 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Evanston, IL earns a median $146,655/year (≈ $70.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Evanston's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $151,035 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evanston, Illinois, air traffic controllers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $146,655 in 2026. This figure reflects estimates based on 2025 BLS data, with a salary range spanning from $85,059 at the lower decile to $218,380 at the upper end. Controllers typically undergo a certification process that may take 1 to 3 years to reach full pay, making their initial earnings lower while they gain proficiency. This transitional phase influences the local market for air traffic controller pay in Evanston, where the compensation is slightly below the national median of $151,886, which indicates competitive pressure from adjacent areas or specialized facilities. The job market for air traffic controllers in this city remains stable, with 16 professionals currently employed in local positions.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,059 | $40.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,592 | $50.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $146,655 | $70.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,717 | $90.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $218,380 | $104.99 |
Median Salary Position
3.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evanston
In Evanston, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,321 (2026 est.). At $146,655, the local median is 3.44% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Evanston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Evanston Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Evanston median: $146,655/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Evanston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,540 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -3.44% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Evanston, IL earn a median of $146,655 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.44% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $147,540.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Evanston 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.
Evanston, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $146,655 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $151,035 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,754
2025 BLS Actual
$142,980
2026 Current Est.
$146,655
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,754 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,928 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,695 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,649 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,903 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,655 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,424 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Evanston metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $118,754 (2019) to $142,980 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,424 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,670 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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) | $85,059 – $105,592 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,592 – $146,655 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $146,655 – $187,717 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,717 – $218,380 |
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 Evanston
The cost of living index in Evanston stands at 97.1, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the affordability factor is still beneficial for taking home pay. Among the various employers, FAA terminals, particularly those at ARTCCs, may offer some of the most lucrative positions in the area. Factors such as facility level, CPC certification status, and shift differentials significantly impact salary ranges. For instance, controllers at en route facilities can earn considerably more than those working at smaller towers. To maximize earnings in Evanston, controllers should aim for certification as fully qualified controllers and position themselves to take advantage of overtime opportunities, which are prevalent due to ongoing staffing shortages. This approach can significantly enhance overall take-home pay.
More salary data for Evanston, 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 $142,980 for air traffic controllersin the Evanston 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 Evanston 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