Air Traffic Controller Salary in O'Fallon, IL: $143,681 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in O'Fallon, IL earns a median $143,681/year (≈ $69.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in O'Fallon's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $147,972 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in O'Fallon is projected to reach a median of $143,681. This figure is reflective of the persistent demand for air traffic controllers and the prevalent staffing shortages that lead many to work 50-60 hour weeks, significantly boosting their overall compensation, including overtime pay. The salary range for these professionals spans from $83,335 at the lower end to $207,511 at the higher end, indicating a robust earning potential depending on factors such as facility type and experience level. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments suggest that, despite slightly lower earnings than the national median of $151,886, O'Fallon still presents competitive compensation for qualified controllers, especially in the context of the city's employment landscape.
About the O'Fallon Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,335 | $40.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,450 | $49.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $143,681 | $69.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,572 | $86.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $207,511 | $99.77 |
Median Salary Position
5.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in O'Fallon
In O'Fallon, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,176 (2026 est.). At $143,681, the local median is 5.4% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in O'Fallon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How O'Fallon Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
O'Fallon median: $143,681/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | O'Fallon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,517 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -5.40% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in O'Fallon, IL earn a median of $143,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.40% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $147,517.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
O'Fallon 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.
O'Fallon, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $143,681 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,972 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,346
2025 BLS Actual
$140,081
2026 Current Est.
$143,681
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in O'Fallon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,346 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,375 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,741 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,106 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,959 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,081 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,681 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,374 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the O'Fallon metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $116,346 (2019) to $140,081 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $147,374 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,028 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the O'Fallon 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) | $83,335 – $103,450 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,450 – $143,681 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $143,681 – $180,572 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,572 – $207,511 |
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 O'Fallon
There are currently six air traffic controllers employed in O'Fallon, attesting to the localized competition for talent in this field. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, living expenses are below the national average, and this can enhance the purchasing power for controllers earning competitive salaries. Among the potential employers in O'Fallon, FAA terminal radar approach controls (TRACONs) and FAA airport traffic control towers (ATCT) are responsible for providing substantial compensation relative to smaller or contract facilities. The variations in pay reflect the complexity and volume of traffic managed, alongside the facility tier system, where en route centers generally offer higher salaries. To maximize earning potential, controllers should consider pursuing shift differential opportunities and overtime, which are often abundant due to the pervasive understaffing within the FAA. Additionally, advancing to Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status can further enhance income prospects, allowing individuals in O'Fallon to harness the full spectrum of available compensation options.
More salary data for O'Fallon, 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 $140,081 for air traffic controllersin the O'Fallon 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 O'Fallon 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