Air Traffic Controller Salary in Quincy, IL: $143,120 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Quincy, IL earns a median $143,120/year (≈ $68.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Quincy's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $147,394 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Quincy, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers in 2026 is set at $143,120, which reflects a 5.77% lower figure compared to the national average of $151,886 for the same year. The salary range varies significantly, from $83,010 at the 10th percentile to $205,968 at the 90th percentile, indicating that the compensation can be influenced by factors like overtime and staffing levels. Controllers often work 50-60 hour weeks, driven by continuous demand at understaffed facilities. This reality can significantly elevate effective compensation, making the financial implications of the workload an important consideration for potential air traffic controllers in Quincy.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,010 | $39.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,134 | $49.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $143,120 | $68.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183,194 | $88.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,968 | $99.02 |
Median Salary Position
5.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
In Quincy, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,958 (2026 est.). At $143,120, the local median is 5.77% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Quincy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Quincy Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Quincy median: $143,120/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Quincy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,546 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -5.77% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Quincy, IL earn a median of $143,120 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.77% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $147,546.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Quincy 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.
Quincy, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $143,120 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,394 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,892
2025 BLS Actual
$139,534
2026 Current Est.
$143,120
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,892 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,893 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,262 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,618 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,452 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,458 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,534 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,120 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,798 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Quincy metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $115,892 (2019) to $139,534 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,798 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,906 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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) | $83,010 – $103,134 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,134 – $143,120 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $143,120 – $183,194 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $183,194 – $205,968 |
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 Quincy
Despite having only six controllers currently employed in Quincy, the local job market shows promise due to its competitive pay structures. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, controllers may find their purchasing power slightly higher than in more expensive regions, although it is still essential to strategize for maximizing earnings. Higher salaries tend to be offered by FAA en route centers, which manage high-altitude airspace. Factors influencing pay include the type of facility, with en route positions typically commanding the highest salaries, as well as mandatory shift differentials and abundant overtime opportunities. Pay can also be affected by certification status, with fully certified professional controllers (CPCs) receiving higher compensation than developmental staff. Engaging in overtime and seeking positions at more critical facilities can enhance overall earnings for those considering a career in air traffic control in Quincy, IL.
More salary data for Quincy, 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 $139,534 for air traffic controllersin the Quincy 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 Quincy 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