Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Evanston, IL: $70.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Evanston, IL runs $70.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,655 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Evanston's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,992 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evanston, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for an air traffic controller is $70.51, which falls below the national median of $73.02. For professionals in this field, working 24 hours a week over a three-day schedule can provide a significant part-time earning potential, especially in various typical settings such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers. The hourly pay range for air traffic controllers in Evanston goes from approximately $40.89 for entry-level positions to about $104.99 for top earners. This hourly compensation reflects estimates derived from annual salary data, revealing the attractive possibilities that exist for both full-time and part-time workers in the air traffic control sector.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.89 | $327.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.76 | $406.10 |
| Median (P50) | $70.51 | $564.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.25 | $722.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.99 | $839.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Evanston
Based on $70.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.51/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Evanston, IL can expect to earn approximately $146,654 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,608. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Evanston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Evanston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,820.26 | $12,221 | $146,654 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,692.16 | $7,333 | $87,992 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,128.11 | $4,888 | $58,662 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Evanston) | $70.51 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Evanston, IL earn a median of $146,655 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.44% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $147,540.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.51/hr = $87,992/year (purchasing power: $90,620).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,654/year (purchasing power: $151,034).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Evanston grew 20.4% from $57.09/hr (2019) to $68.74/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.32/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Evanston
When evaluating the overall earning potential, part-time controllers may bring home a different annual figure compared to their full-time counterparts, especially considering the implications of overtime. Many controllers at understaffed facilities find themselves routinely working 50-60 hours per week, often earning between $50,000 and $100,000 in overtime, which can significantly boost effective hourly compensation. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Evanston can be negotiated, adding further dimensions to earnings during facility transfers or training. Additionally, hourly rates differ across various employer types, from FAA en route centers and TRACONs to military air traffic control and contract towers, each offering its own unique benefits and trade-offs. Controllers need to consider the balance between a potentially higher hourly rate without benefits against the security provided by lower rates with health insurance, making strategic negotiation skills essential in the ever-evolving job market.
More salary data for Evanston, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Evanston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evanston 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