Transportation & Logistics Aurora, IL Pop. 197,757

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Aurora, Illinois

The median air traffic controller salary in Aurora, IL is $130,511 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$130,511
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-6,869
Cost of Living
95%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Aurora: What to Expect (2026)

Aurora offers a median air traffic controller salary of $130,511, which is $0 above the Illinois state average of $130,511. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Aurora pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Aurora spans from $77,900 at the 10th percentile to $188,100 at the 90th percentile — a $110,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,750, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,500. With a population of 197,757, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $80,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,750
$-4,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$133,000
$-7,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,500
$-9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aurora, IL

Percentile Aurora
10th Percentile $77,900
25th Percentile $102,600
Median (50th) $130,511
75th Percentile $166,250
90th Percentile $188,100

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$148,370
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$146,997
Pop. 2,693,976
Springfield, IL
$116,773
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$112,652
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Aurora

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Aurora and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Aurora may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Aurora

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Aurora, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Aurora

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Aurora, IL? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Aurora, Illinois is $130,511 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $77,900 (10th percentile) to $188,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $130,511, a air traffic controller in Aurora earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Illinois state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Aurora's median air traffic controller salary of $130,511 is 0.0% above the Illinois state average of $130,511. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, IL? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $130,511 in Aurora has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Aurora? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Aurora require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.