Fort Wayne vs Indianapolis: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,477 | $176,328▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.98 | $84.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,217 | $107,473▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,303 | $160,307▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $183,651 | $193,950▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $214,786▲ | $209,458 |
| Total Employed | 66 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Indianapolis is $32,851 (22.90%). Indianapolis's median is +16.09% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $131,569,Indianapolis spans $101,985. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Indianapolis ($184,258 effective) pays 17.25% more than Fort Wayne ($157,149 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,786)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($176,328/year)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $184,258)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Fort Wayne grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$120,914 (2024) → $139,882 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$139,840 (2019) → $171,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Fort Wayne or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Indianapolis as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Fort Wayne vs Indianapolis?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov