Air Traffic Controller Salary in Springfield, IL: $146,031 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Springfield, IL earns a median $146,031/year (≈ $70.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Springfield's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $150,392 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Springfield, Illinois, the projected compensation for air traffic controllers is competitive, with a median annual salary of $146,031 as of 2026. The salary range extends from $84,698 at the lower end (P10) to a notable $220,442 at the upper tier (P90), reflecting compensation across different facility levels. Local estimates based on 2025 BLS data indicate that controllers working within en route facilities typically earn more due to their responsibility for managing high-altitude traffic, compared to terminal and tower roles, which generally pay less. This structure creates varying opportunities in the local job market, and with air traffic controllers numbering just 22 in the Springfield area, it's vital for prospective applicants to understand how their chosen path may influence their earning potential.
About the Springfield Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,698 | $40.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,142 | $50.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $146,031 | $70.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,919 | $89.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220,442 | $105.99 |
Median Salary Position
3.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springfield
In Springfield, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,744 (2026 est.). At $146,031, the local median is 3.85% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Springfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Springfield Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Springfield median: $146,031/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Springfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,506 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -3.85% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Springfield, IL earn a median of $146,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.85% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% below the Illinois state average of $147,506.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Springfield 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.
Springfield, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $146,031 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,392 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$118,249
2025 BLS Actual
$142,372
2026 Current Est.
$146,031
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,249 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,393 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,749 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,152 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,084 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,294 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,031 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,784 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Springfield metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $118,249 (2019) to $142,372 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,784 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,535 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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) | $84,698 – $105,142 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,142 – $146,031 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $146,031 – $186,919 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,919 – $220,442 |
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 Springfield
As air traffic controller pay in Springfield, IL shows promise but also presents unique challenges, the local cost of living index of 97.1 affects the purchasing power of earnings. With a relatively low number of employed controllers in the area, those who navigate the salary landscape should focus on advancing to higher facility tiers, like en route centers, which typically offer greater financial rewards. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include the facility level, CPC certification status, and additional incentives such as shift differentials and overtime opportunities, all of which can significantly enhance take-home pay. Controllers can maximize their salary potential by strategically pursuing certifications, seeking positions in higher-paying facilities, and taking advantage of mandatory overtime that often arises from chronic staffing shortages. Understanding these dynamics can empower air traffic controllers in Springfield to optimize their careers in a competitive industry.
More salary data for Springfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Springfield, IL in 2026?
Is Springfield, IL a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Springfield?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Springfield?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Springfield?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 $142,372 for air traffic controllersin the Springfield 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 Springfield 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