Indianapolis vs Lafayette: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $176,328▲ | $139,585 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.77▲ | $67.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,473▲ | $80,960 |
| 25th Percentile | $160,307▲ | $101,801 |
| 75th Percentile | $193,950▲ | $176,924 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,458▲ | $197,691 |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Lafayette is $36,743 (26.32%). 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 Indianapolis spans $101,985,Lafayette spans $116,731. Lafayette has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Indianapolis ($184,258 effective) pays 20.52% more than Lafayette ($152,886 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($176,328/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($209,458)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $184,258)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Indianapolis grew 22.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$139,840 (2019) → $171,910 (2025)
Lafayette, IN
$117,634 (2024) → $136,088 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Indianapolis or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Lafayette as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Indianapolis vs Lafayette?
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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