Pay varies with the controller's experience and level of responsibility. Pay also varies with the location and size of the airport and the cost of living in the local area.
Full-time air traffic controllers receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and retirement pay.
Air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||
| 25% |
Median |
75% |
||
| Illinois | Hourly | $53.27 | $85.06 | $93.57 |
| Yearly | $110,809 | $176,935 | $194,629 | |
| Cook County | Hourly | $61.45 | $86.66 | $99.18 |
| Yearly | $127,818 | $180,257 | $206,303 | |
| United States | Hourly | $46.57 | $66.05 | $84.96 |
| Yearly | $96,870 | $137,380 | $176,720 | |