Transportation & Logistics Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median air traffic controller salary in Springfield, IL is $116,773 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$116,773
vs State Avg
$-13,738
vs National
$-20,607
Cost of Living
85%

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

Springfield offers a median air traffic controller salary of $116,773, which is $13,738 below the Illinois state average of $130,511. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $116,773 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Springfield spans from $69,700 at the 10th percentile to $168,300 at the 90th percentile — a $98,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,250, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $161,500. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $72,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,250
$-12,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,000
$-21,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$161,500
$-28,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $69,700
25th Percentile $91,800
Median (50th) $116,773
75th Percentile $148,750
90th Percentile $168,300

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
Rockford, IL
$112,652
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Springfield

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Springfield

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Springfield, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Springfield

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Springfield, Illinois is $116,773 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $69,700 (10th percentile) to $168,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,773, a air traffic controller in Springfield earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Springfield's median air traffic controller salary of $116,773 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $130,511. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $116,773 in Springfield 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 Springfield? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Springfield 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.