Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Woodridge, IL: $69.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Woodridge, IL runs $69.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,905 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Woodridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,943 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected hourly pay of $69.67 for air traffic controllers in Woodridge, IL, this figure reflects a slight decline compared to the national median of $73.02 per hour. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this rate translates to a substantial income, particularly since controllers often operate out of demanding environments such as en route center radar consoles or TRACon facilities adjacent to major airports. Entry-level positions may start at about $40.40 per hour, while highly experienced controllers can command as much as $95.01 per hour, showcasing a competitive pay scale that grows with experience and qualifications. These estimates are derived from the overall annual salary data and provide a useful benchmark for both prospective controllers and those looking to negotiate their hourly pay effectively.
About the Woodridge 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) | $40.40 | $323.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.16 | $401.25 |
| Median (P50) | $69.67 | $557.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.70 | $693.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.01 | $760.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woodridge
Based on $69.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.67/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woodridge, IL can expect to earn approximately $144,904 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,599. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Woodridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woodridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,786.62 | $12,075 | $144,904 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,671.97 | $7,245 | $86,943 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,114.65 | $4,830 | $57,962 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Woodridge) | $69.67 |
| 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 Woodridge, IL earn a median of $144,905 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.60% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $147,411.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.67/hr = $86,943/year (purchasing power: $89,539).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,904/year (purchasing power: $149,232).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Woodridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Woodridge grew 20.4% from $56.41/hr (2019) to $67.92/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.46/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 Woodridge 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 Woodridge
Seasoned air traffic controllers working part-time in Woodridge face a choice: opt for consistency with regular hours or take on per-diem roles that can lead to significant income potential. For example, a 24-hour workweek at the hourly rate yields an annual take-home much lower than full-timers; however, the flexibility of per diem positions allows for selective engagements that can enhance earnings, especially as overtime is a prominent feature of this career path. Many controllers often find themselves working 50 to 60 hours weekly, significantly boosting their effective hourly earnings beyond base rates through overtime compensation. The variety of employers—ranging from FAA en route centers to contract towers—also influences pay rates, where positions in high-demand areas typically offer robust compensation packages. Controllers must weigh the benefits of higher hourly pay against health insurance and stability offered by federal employment, particularly when negotiating contracts or per diem arrangements in their quest for advantageous pay scenarios in Woodridge.
More salary data for Woodridge, 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 Woodridge. 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 Woodridge 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