Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Decatur, IL: $86,733 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Decatur, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,733 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Decatur's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,323 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($149,540) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Decatur, Illinois, new graduates can expect an entry-level air traffic controller salary starting at around $86,733 in 2026. This figure reflects a substantial gap when compared to the median annual salary of $149,540, illustrating the progression that can be achieved early in one’s career. For entry-level controllers, the opportunity for salary growth is notable; within the first three to five years, pay can increase to approximately $107,669 at the 25th percentile, eventually bridging the gap to the city's median compensation. Given Decatur's relatively low cost of living index of 97.1 compared to the national average, the local market presents a favorable environment for new graduates looking to embark on their careers in air traffic control.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Decatur
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Decatur
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Decatur, IL typically start between $86,733 and $107,669 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $126,899 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $149,540 — 1.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Illinois of $52,000 represents just 59.95% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($86,733/year) in Decatur. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Decatur
- 1Research the Decatur market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $86,733 to $107,669, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Decatur, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Decatur for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Decatur's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Decatur is $126,899 ( 146.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,733, experienced hygienists can earn up to $213,632.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,680
2025 BLS Actual
$84,560
2026 Current Est.
$86,733
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,457 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,508 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,352 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,155 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,514 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,733 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,962 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Decatur, IL grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,680 in 2019 to $84,560 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,962. New graduates entering the Decatur job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Decatur
Several employers actively recruit new graduates in Decatur, primarily through the FAA, which conducts public bid windows for 'off-the-street' hiring announcements. Interested candidates must be under 31 years unless they are military veterans, who can also leverage the Veterans Recruitment Authority for a streamlined process. Those coming through the FAA’s Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) will have an edge, as it highlights specific educational pathways. To elevate starting pay, candidates should focus on meeting the educational requirements, which include being a U.S. citizen and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Credentialing through the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, where initial qualification training lasts around 3-5 months, is essential. Realistically, new air traffic controllers can expect incremental salary gains as they gain experience, particularly as they transition from entry-level positions on the FG pay scale to more specialized roles, where earnings can rise significantly with base salaries at en route facilities often exceeding $130,000 or more.
More salary data for Decatur, 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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Decatur. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Decatur 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