Air Traffic Controller Salary in Joliet, IL: $146,532 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Joliet, IL earns a median $146,532/year (≈ $70.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Joliet's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $150,908 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, Illinois, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $146,532 in 2026, reflecting the dynamic pay scale for this profession. The range of salaries straddles from $84,988 for entry-level positions (P10) up to $216,750 for experienced professionals (P90). These figures, adapted from 2025 BLS state-level data, take into account local economic conditions and cost-of-living adjustments. Controllers in Joliet may work 50-60 hour weeks due to chronic staffing shortages, which influences overall compensation and often results in significant overtime earnings. The competition for skilled professionals, combined with a well-developed aerospace industry in the surrounding area, forecasts a robust job market for air traffic controllers.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,988 | $40.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,502 | $50.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $146,532 | $70.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,561 | $90.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $216,750 | $104.21 |
Median Salary Position
3.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Joliet
In Joliet, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,762 (2026 est.). At $146,532, the local median is 3.53% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Joliet: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Joliet Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Joliet median: $146,532/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Joliet Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,416 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -3.53% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Joliet, IL earn a median of $146,532 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.53% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $147,416.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Joliet has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Joliet, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $146,532 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,908 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,654
2025 BLS Actual
$142,860
2026 Current Est.
$146,532
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,654 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,823 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,176 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,588 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,537 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,782 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,532 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,297 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Joliet metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $118,654 (2019) to $142,860 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,297 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,643 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joliet 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $84,988 – $105,502 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,502 – $146,532 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $146,532 – $187,561 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,561 – $216,750 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Joliet
With 25 air traffic controllers employed locally, the job market remains stable but competitive. The cost of living index in Joliet is 97.1, slightly below the national average, which enhances the purchasing power of these salaries. Controllers at FAA en route centers in the region generally command higher pay compared to those at terminal facilities or airport traffic control towers due to differences in operational complexity. To maximize earning potential, getting certified as a CPC and actively seeking overtime shifts can significantly boost income, especially given the frequent staffing shortages. Additionally, controllers should consider the benefits of working nights or weekends, as shift differentials can lead to increased compensation. Understanding the local pay structures, including locality adjustments for positions at different facilities, is crucial for aspiring controllers looking to maximize their earnings in Joliet, IL.
More salary data for Joliet, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $142,860 for air traffic controllersin the Joliet metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Joliet 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