Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lombard, IL: $142,903 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Lombard, IL earns a median $142,903/year (≈ $68.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Lombard's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $147,171 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Lombard, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $142,903, which reflects an approximate 5.91% lower compensation compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary range for these professionals spans from $82,884 at the P10 level to $205,233 at the P90 level, highlighting the significant variability based on experience and operational roles. These figures, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, suggest that controllers working in en route facilities, particularly those at higher-tier levels like Level 12, tend to receive more competitive salaries compared to those at terminal and tower facilities. As Lombard continues to develop its aviation sector, the demand for skilled controllers might shape an evolving job market in the area.
About the Lombard Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,884 | $39.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,889 | $50.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,903 | $68.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $182,915 | $87.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,233 | $98.67 |
Median Salary Position
5.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lombard
In Lombard, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,349 (2026 est.). At $142,903, the local median is 5.91% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lombard: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lombard Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Lombard median: $142,903/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lombard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,474 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -5.91% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Lombard, IL earn a median of $142,903 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.91% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.10% below the Illinois state average of $147,474.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lombard 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.
Lombard, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $142,903 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,171 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,716
2025 BLS Actual
$139,322
2026 Current Est.
$142,903
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,716 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,706 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,076 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,428 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,255 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,246 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,322 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,903 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,575 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lombard metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $115,716 (2019) to $139,322 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,575 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,859 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard 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) | $82,884 – $105,889 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,889 – $142,903 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,903 – $182,915 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $182,915 – $205,233 |
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 Lombard
The local job market in Lombard indicates there are currently eight air traffic controllers employed, which suggests a close-knit community within this specialized profession. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, residents enjoy a more affordable living compared to the national average, positively influencing take-home purchasing power. Among the various employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the most lucrative salaries, particularly for Certified Professional Controllers (CPCs) who command higher pay due to factors such as shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and their specific facility tier. The disparity between low and high earnings in Lombard is influenced by the level of certification, the nature of the duty station, and the operational demands of the facility. To maximize pay, aspiring air traffic controllers should consider pursuing CPC certification and actively seek roles in en route centers while being open to overtime work, particularly in the context of a market characterized by chronic understaffing and a need for dedicated personnel.
More salary data for Lombard, 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 $139,322 for air traffic controllersin the Lombard 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 Lombard 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