Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Moline, IL: $84,444 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,444 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,966 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($145,592) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Stepping into the role of an entry-level air traffic controller in Moline, Illinois, brings with it a starting salary of $84,444 in 2026, a figure that may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $145,592 for the area. This creates a gap that new graduates must navigate, as they begin their careers and work towards achieving higher pay over time. As early-career controllers progress, they can anticipate a salary increase to approximately $104,827, and with dedication and experience, reaching the median could be realistic within three to five years. Given Moline's modest cost of living index of 97.1, opportunities in this city present a viable market for aspiring controllers, especially as the demand continues to rise driven by workforce challenges in the field.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
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 Moline
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Moline, IL typically start between $84,444 and $104,827 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $115,839 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $145,592 — 4.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Illinois of $52,000 represents just 61.58% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($84,444/year) in Moline. 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 Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $84,444 to $104,827, 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 Moline, 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 Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline'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 Moline is $115,839 ( 137.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,444, experienced hygienists can earn up to $200,283.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,735
2025 BLS Actual
$82,328
2026 Current Est.
$84,444
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,735 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,386 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,462 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,257 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,987 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,283 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,328 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,444 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,614 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,735 in 2019 to $82,328 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,614. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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 Moline
In Moline, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a primary employer for new graduates seeking to begin their careers as air traffic controllers. They utilize various hiring pathways, including off-the-street positions for candidates under 31 and partnerships with educational institutions through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. Candidates must meet specific requirements, including U.S. citizenship and completion of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. After passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), successful applicants undergo Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, which is compensated during training. In the first few years, controllers can expect realistic growth trajectories, with continued education and training opportunities influencing pay. For example, working at major en route facilities often leads to lucrative salaries owing to high-demand areas facing chronic understaffing. Understanding the pay scale, particularly the distinctions on the FG pay scale with a mandatory retirement age of 56, can help new grads shape their long-term career strategies effectively in Moline and beyond.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Moline in 2026?
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Is aviation school worth it in Moline?
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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 Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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