Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Waukegan, IL: $71.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Waukegan, IL runs $71.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,695 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Waukegan's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,619 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukegan, Illinois, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $71.01, slightly below the national median of $73.02. This rate can translate into significant earnings for those working part-time, such as controllers working three days a week, who might focus on maintaining a work-life balance while still contributing to crucial operations in high-stakes environments. The hourly pay range for this profession in Waukegan spans from $41.18 for entry-level positions to $106.93 for those at the top of their career. Such figures are derived from annual salary estimates and highlight the potential for three-day-a-week schedules in various settings, including en route centers and airport control towers where pivotal air traffic management takes place.
About the Waukegan 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) | $41.18 | $329.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.12 | $408.97 |
| Median (P50) | $71.01 | $568.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.89 | $727.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.93 | $855.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukegan
Based on $71.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.01/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukegan, IL can expect to earn approximately $147,699 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,211. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukegan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukegan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,840.37 | $12,308 | $147,699 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,704.22 | $7,385 | $88,619 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,136.15 | $4,923 | $59,080 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Waukegan) | $71.01 |
| 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 Waukegan, IL earn a median of $147,695 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.76% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $147,547.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.01/hr = $88,619/year (purchasing power: $91,266).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,699/year (purchasing power: $152,110).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Waukegan grew 20.4% from $57.50/hr (2019) to $69.23/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.83/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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan
Considering the potential for part-time earnings, a controller working 24 hours a week could expect to bring home an annual salary that still offers a comfortable living, albeit lower than that of full-time counterparts. For those who take on per diem roles, the reality is often defined by the necessity to work overtime due to the chronic understaffing in facilities nationwide. Controllers frequently find themselves working 50-60 hours a week, with overtime leading to substantial increases in effective hourly compensation. Various employer types in Waukegan, from FAA facilities to contract towers, offer differing pay rates depending on benefits and job security. Many controllers may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance benefits, highlighting the trade-offs in hourly versus full-time employment. Practical negotiation approaches play a critical role in securing favorable terms in this industry, especially for those seeking per diem air traffic controller pay Waukegan.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Waukegan?
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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 Waukegan. 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 Waukegan 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