Transportation & Logistics Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median air traffic controller salary in Rockford, IL is $112,652 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$112,652
vs State Avg
$-17,859
vs National
$-24,728
Cost of Living
82%

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

Rockford offers a median air traffic controller salary of $112,652, which is $17,859 below the Illinois state average of $130,511. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $112,652 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Rockford spans from $67,240 at the 10th percentile to $162,360 at the 90th percentile — a $95,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,700, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,800. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $69,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,700
$-15,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$114,800
$-25,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$155,800
$-34,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $67,240
25th Percentile $88,560
Median (50th) $112,652
75th Percentile $143,500
90th Percentile $162,360

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$148,370
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$146,997
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$130,511
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$116,773
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Rockford

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Rockford 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 Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Rockford

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rockford

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Rockford, Illinois is $112,652 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $67,240 (10th percentile) to $162,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $112,652, a air traffic controller in Rockford earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Rockford's median air traffic controller salary of $112,652 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $130,511. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $112,652 in Rockford 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 Rockford? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Rockford 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.