Air Traffic Controller Salary in Indianapolis, IN: $176,328 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Indianapolis, IN earns a median $176,328/year (≈ $84.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Indianapolis's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.7), that paycheck buys what $184,258 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 27.2% above the Indiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
A strong air traffic controller salary in Indianapolis shows a median annual income of $176,328, significantly exceeding the national average of $151,886. The salary range here stretches from $107,473 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $209,458 (P90). These figures illustrate how overtime has become a core component of compensation, as many controllers work 50 to 60 hours per week to cover chronic understaffing at local facilities. This persistent demand for extra hours means controllers here can often capitalize on opportunities for additional pay. As the job market continues to evolve, those seeking air traffic controller positions in Indianapolis may find increasing incentive to join this essential profession.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,473 | $51.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $160,307 | $77.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $176,328 | $84.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $193,950 | $93.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,458 | $100.70 |
Median Salary Position
16.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Indianapolis
In Indianapolis, IN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,985 (2026 est.). At $176,328, the local median is 16.09% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Indianapolis: You'd be above the median
How Indianapolis Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Indianapolis median: $176,328/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Indianapolis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,623 | +27.20% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +16.09% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Indianapolis, IN earn a median of $176,328 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.09% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 27.20% above the Indiana state average of $138,623.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Indianapolis has a cost of living 4.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Indianapolis, IN has a cost-of-living index of 95.696 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $176,328 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $184,258 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.5% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$139,840
2025 BLS Actual
$171,910
2026 Current Est.
$176,328
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Indianapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $139,840 | Actual |
| 2020 | $151,408 | Actual |
| 2021 | $150,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $153,533 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,488 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,197 | Actual |
| 2025 | $171,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $176,328 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,860 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Indianapolis metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 22.9% from $139,840 (2019) to $171,910 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $180,860 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,020 (29.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Indianapolis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $107,473 – $160,307 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $160,307 – $176,328 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $176,328 – $193,950 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $193,950 – $209,458 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Indianapolis
In Indianapolis, approximately 470 air traffic controllers are currently employed, reflecting a solid local job market for this field. The cost of living index at 95.696 indicates that costs are slightly below the national average, allowing for more substantial take-home purchasing power for controllers compared to other parts of the country. Pay disparities among employers in the area often depend on facility type, with staffing at FAA en route centers generally commanding the highest wages, followed by terminal radar approach control facilities and airport traffic control towers. Factors influencing salaries include the facility level of operation, CPC certification status, and various shift differentials. Controllers can maximize their earnings by strategically applying for positions at higher-tier en route facilities and taking on overtime shifts, especially during peak traffic hours. In a market where chronic shortages lead to abundant overtime, there's a significant opportunity for air traffic controller pay in Indianapolis to reach competitive levels.
More salary data for Indianapolis, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $171,910 for air traffic controllersin the Indianapolis metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov