Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Quincy, IL: $205,968 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Quincy, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $205,968/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Quincy's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $212,119 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Quincy, Illinois offers compelling opportunities for experienced air traffic controllers, with top earners projected to achieve a remarkable salary of $205,968 by 2026. This figure stands in contrast to the city’s median annual salary of $143,120, showcasing the significant earning potential that comes with years of expertise in the field. Those pursuing senior roles, particularly in specialized areas such as en route and terminal radar operations, can expect to see substantial rewards for their dedication. As the demand for skilled air traffic controllers remains consistent, particularly in this region, moving up to these high-tier positions requires not only extensive practical experience but also advanced certifications and a commitment to mastering complex traffic management challenges that ensure safety and efficiency.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Quincy earn between $183,194 and $205,968 per year (2026 est.). This $122,958 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Quincy median of $143,120 sits 5.77% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Quincy | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $143,120 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $183,194 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $205,968 | $221,151 |
In Quincy, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.91% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Quincy
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $143,120 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Quincy employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Quincy command premium compensation, often reaching the $183,194–$205,968 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Quincy metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Quincy with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Quincy
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedQuincy ranks #37 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $205,968).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Quincy ($205,968) is 7.91% below the Illinois average P90 ($223,665).
2019 BLS Actual
$164,215
2025 BLS Actual
$200,807
2026 Current Est.
$205,968
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $164,215 | Actual |
| 2020 | $172,094 | Actual |
| 2021 | $173,221 | Actual |
| 2022 | $176,769 | Actual |
| 2023 | $187,191 | Actual |
| 2024 | $200,601 | Actual |
| 2025 | $200,807 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $205,968 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $211,261 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Quincy saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $164,215 in 2019 to $200,807 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $211,261 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Quincy
Senior air traffic controller pay in Quincy can vary significantly based on the type of facility and specific roles held, with FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities typically offering the highest compensation. Controllers specializing in en route operations may surpass their counterparts in tower and military ATC roles when it comes to earnings potential, particularly due to the complexities involved in managing high-altitude traffic and intricate procedures. Advancement opportunities within the FAA framework allow for a well-defined career trajectory, leading from developmental controller roles to positions such as operations supervisor and facility manager. Furthermore, gaining advanced certifications not only contributes to a controller’s marketability but can also introduce lucrative pay differentials associated with shift work and overtime, particularly in light of acute staffing shortages that require experienced personnel to take on additional hours. The solid foundation provided by a bachelor's degree or substantial work experience, alongside passing rigorous FAA testing, can help professionals maximize their senior air traffic controller salary in Quincy, IL, ultimately leading to a more stable and rewarding career.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Quincy in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Quincy?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Quincy?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Quincy?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Quincy?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $200,807 for air traffic controllers in the Quincy metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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