Chicago vs Woodridge: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Chicago, IL and Woodridge, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Woodridge, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $194,657▲ | $144,905 |
| Hourly Rate | $93.58▲ | $69.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,995▲ | $84,045 |
| 25th Percentile | $149,044▲ | $104,331 |
| 75th Percentile | $214,823▲ | $180,343 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,480▲ | $197,629 |
| Total Employed | 850▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Woodridge.
The salary gap between Chicago and Woodridge is $49,752 (34.33%). Chicago's median is +28.16% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $139,485,Woodridge spans $113,584. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($187,902 effective) pays 25.91% more than Woodridge ($149,233 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($194,657/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,480)
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $187,902)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Woodridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Chicago grew 23.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.1% growth in Woodridge over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$153,360 (2019) → $189,780 (2025)
Woodridge, IL
$141,198 (2024) → $141,274 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Woodridge, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Chicago or Woodridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Woodridge?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Woodridge as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Chicago vs Woodridge?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov