Air Traffic Controller Salary in Normal, IL: $142,987 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Normal, IL earns a median $142,987/year (≈ $68.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Normal's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $147,257 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Normal, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $142,987 in 2026, which reflects a competitive yet slightly lower figure compared to the national median of $151,886. The pay range in the area varies significantly, with salaries starting at $82,932 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $206,101 for highly experienced controllers. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price variations, capture the nuances of local compensation dynamics. Notably, many controllers often find themselves working 50 to 60-hour weeks due to chronic understaffing, which can significantly boost overall compensation through overtime, creating an effective pay structure that enhances earnings considerably.
About the Normal Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,932 | $39.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,951 | $49.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,987 | $68.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183,023 | $87.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,101 | $99.08 |
Median Salary Position
5.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Normal
In Normal, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,169 (2026 est.). At $142,987, the local median is 5.86% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Normal: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Normal Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Normal median: $142,987/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Normal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,409 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -5.86% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Normal, IL earn a median of $142,987 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.86% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $147,409.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Normal 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.
Normal, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $142,987 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,257 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,784
2025 BLS Actual
$139,404
2026 Current Est.
$142,987
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,784 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,779 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,148 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,501 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,331 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,329 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,404 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,987 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,661 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Normal metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $115,784 (2019) to $139,404 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,661 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,877 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Normal 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) | $82,932 – $102,951 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,951 – $142,987 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,987 – $183,023 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $183,023 – $206,101 |
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 Normal
Exploring the job market in Normal illuminates both the opportunities and challenges faced by air traffic controllers in the area. With only eight professionals currently employed in this field, competition for high-paying positions can be keen. The cost of living index for Normal stands at 97.1, which is below the national average, ensuring that take-home earnings can stretch further. In terms of remuneration, FAA en route centers typically offer the highest salaries, followed by terminal radar approach controls and airport tower positions. Several factors contribute to the pay variance, including facility level—en route controllers at Level 12 generally earn more than those at Level 7 towers—and additional compensation from shift differentials, overtime bonuses, and locality pay. New controllers seeking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing positions in higher-tier facilities or focusing on obtaining the necessary CPC certifications, which are critical in elevating income potential.
More salary data for Normal, 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 $139,404 for air traffic controllersin the Normal 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 Normal 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