Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wheaton, IL: $144,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Wheaton, IL earns a median $144,950/year (≈ $69.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Wheaton's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $149,279 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The air traffic controller salary in Wheaton, IL, is projected to be $144,950 annually in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $151,886. With a salary range from $84,070 at the 10th percentile to $212,827 at the 90th percentile, aspiring controllers can expect their earnings to reflect their experience and position. Full Pay is attainable within a 1-3 year timeline once a CPC certification is achieved, making this profession both a lucrative and a time-sensitive career path. These projections are derived from BLS state-level data, with regional price parity adjustments considered, emphasizing how Wheaton’s job market is specifically shaped by local economic factors.
About the Wheaton Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,070 | $40.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,711 | $50.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,950 | $69.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,536 | $89.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $212,827 | $102.32 |
Median Salary Position
4.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheaton
In Wheaton, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,757 (2026 est.). At $144,950, the local median is 4.57% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheaton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheaton Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Wheaton median: $144,950/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheaton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,457 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.57% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Wheaton, IL earn a median of $144,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.57% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $147,457.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheaton 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.
Wheaton, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $144,950 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $149,279 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,374
2025 BLS Actual
$141,318
2026 Current Est.
$144,950
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,374 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,464 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,825 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,211 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,107 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,318 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,675 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheaton metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $117,374 (2019) to $141,318 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,675 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,301 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheaton 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) | $84,070 – $104,711 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,711 – $144,950 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,950 – $185,536 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,536 – $212,827 |
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 Wheaton
In Wheaton, there are currently 14 air traffic controllers employed, indicative of a compact labor market. The local cost-of-living index stands at 97.1, meaning housing and expenses are typically lower than the national average. This can enhance take-home purchasing power compared to higher-cost areas. Employers like FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities offer competitive salaries, with potential for significant overtime earnings due to ongoing staffing shortages and high traffic demands. Controllers can maximize pay by pursuing CPC certification, working in higher-level facilities, and taking advantage of shift differentials and mandatory overtime, especially in a state known for its robust aviation network. For those looking into a career in air traffic control, understanding these dynamics can be invaluable in navigating the local market.
More salary data for Wheaton, 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 $141,318 for air traffic controllersin the Wheaton 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 Wheaton 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