Air Traffic Controller Salary in Moline, IL: $145,592 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Moline, IL earns a median $145,592/year (≈ $69.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Moline's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $149,940 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in Moline, Illinois, the projected median salary in 2026 is $145,592, which is slightly below the national median of $151,886. Local salaries can vary significantly, with a range from $84,444 at the 10th percentile to $200,283 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from BLS state-level estimates and adjusted for regional cost variations. Moline’s salary levels reflect the broader dynamics of air traffic control employment, where developmental controllers in their first 1-3 years typically earn less as they work toward full certification. As Moline continues to leverage its existing air traffic controller workforce, the demand for positions within this generally secure profession remains robust.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,444 | $40.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,827 | $50.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,592 | $69.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,053 | $88.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,283 | $96.29 |
Median Salary Position
4.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
In Moline, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,839 (2026 est.). At $145,592, the local median is 4.14% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moline: You'd be above the median
How Moline Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Moline median: $145,592/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moline Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,510 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.14% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Moline, IL earn a median of $145,592 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.14% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $147,510.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moline 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.
Moline, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $145,592 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $149,940 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,894
2025 BLS Actual
$141,944
2026 Current Est.
$145,592
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,894 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,016 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,687 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,944 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,592 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,334 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moline metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $117,894 (2019) to $141,944 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,334 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,440 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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) | $84,444 – $104,827 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,827 – $145,592 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,592 – $185,053 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,053 – $200,283 |
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 Moline
In Moline, there are currently 10 air traffic controllers actively employed, reflecting the relatively compact local job market. With a cost of living index of 97.1, the purchasing power of salaries here remains competitive, though it can influence how much discretionary income controllers retain. The highest-paying positions in the area are typically found within FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities, although military air traffic control roles also offer significant compensation. The variance in pay largely stems from factors such as facility classification—en route facilities provide higher pay bands than tower positions—and certification status, with fully certified professional controllers (CPCs) commanding greater salaries compared to those at the developmental level. Controllers can maximize pay through strategic choices, such as pursuing overtime opportunities and applying for positions with the FAA that offer shift differentials, especially given the chronic staffing shortages in the sector. The combination of local pay dynamics and market conditions emphasizes the need for aspiring controllers to understand Moline's specific context for salary negotiations and career advancement.
More salary data for Moline, 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 $141,944 for air traffic controllersin the Moline 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 Moline 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