Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $184,930 +27.9% vs national
Median hourly $88.91
10th percentile $78,140
90th percentile $221,890
Employed locally 840
National median $144,580

Compare Air Traffic Controllers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Chicago, IL-IN stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Air Traffic Controllers
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $78,140
    25th
    $140,150
    50th (median)
    $184,930
    75th
    $201,990
    90th
    $221,890

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Air Traffic Controllers salary vs area income 208% Median Air Traffic Controllers salary is 108% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Air Traffic Controllers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $192,500
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $188,930
    Virginia $185,890
    Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $182,890
    Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $182,310
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $181,200

    Nearby metros — Air Traffic Controllers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $192,500
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $181,200
    Illinois $175,090
    Jacksonville, FL $166,940
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $150,220
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $130,060

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$40,030
    Stockers and Order Fillers$37,940
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$62,430
    Light Truck Drivers$47,270
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$46,760
    Packers and Packagers, Hand$36,680

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Air Traffic Controllers make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Air Traffic Controllers in Chicago, IL-IN is $88.91, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $108.50 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Air Traffic Controllers salaries?

    The median Air Traffic Controllers salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 27.9% above the national median of $144,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Air Traffic Controllers in Chicago?

    Entry-level Air Traffic Controllers (10th percentile) earn around $78,140 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $140,150.