Air Traffic Controller Salary in Romeoville, IL: $141,163 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Romeoville, IL earns a median $141,163/year (≈ $67.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Romeoville's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $145,379 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median pay for air traffic controllers in Romeoville, Illinois, is estimated at $141,163, slightly lower than the national median of $151,886. The salary range for this location varies significantly, with a 10th percentile earning $81,874 and a 90th percentile earning up to $199,405. These figures are derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments based on estimates from 2025 BLS data. For air traffic controllers, the differences in salary can primarily be attributed to the various facility tiers; for instance, en route controllers at Level 12 facilities typically earn more than those in terminal or tower positions. This distinction reflects both the complexity of the airspace managed and the level of responsibility assumed in these roles, especially within the unique dynamics of the Romeoville job market.
About the Romeoville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,874 | $39.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,508 | $49.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,163 | $67.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $179,556 | $86.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,405 | $95.87 |
Median Salary Position
7.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Romeoville
In Romeoville, IL, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,531 (2026 est.). At $141,163, the local median is 7.06% below the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Romeoville: You'd be above the median
How Romeoville Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Romeoville median: $141,163/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Romeoville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $147,506 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.06% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Romeoville, IL earn a median of $141,163 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.06% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.30% below the Illinois state average of $147,506.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Romeoville 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.
Romeoville, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $141,163 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,379 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,307
2025 BLS Actual
$137,626
2026 Current Est.
$141,163
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Romeoville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,307 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,213 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,914 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,681 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,551 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,626 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,163 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,791 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Romeoville metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $114,307 (2019) to $137,626 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,791 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,484 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Romeoville 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) | $81,874 – $102,508 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,508 – $141,163 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,163 – $179,556 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $179,556 – $199,405 |
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 Romeoville
With only seven air traffic controllers currently employed in Romeoville, job stability may appear limited, yet this niche offers unique opportunities for enhancing compensation. The local cost of living index of 97.1 indicates a more affordable living environment than the national average, which could improve take-home purchasing power when adjusting for salary. In evaluating employer types, those associated with FAA en route centers generally provide the most substantial pay, while terminal facilities and airport traffic control towers follow in compensation. Factors influencing income disparities include level of facility, Certified Professional Controller (CPC) certification status, and the potential for shift differentials and overtime. Controllers considering this market should pursue CPC certification, remain aware of available overtime opportunities, and explore shifts during nights and weekends, which often carry a premium. By focusing on these areas, air traffic controllers can significantly elevate their earnings in the Romeoville, IL, region.
More salary data for Romeoville, 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 $137,626 for air traffic controllersin the Romeoville 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 Romeoville 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