Air Traffic Controller Salary in Valparaiso, IN: $136,787 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Valparaiso, IN earns a median $136,787/year (≈ $65.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Valparaiso's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $149,821 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Valparaiso, Indiana, air traffic controller salaries reflect local market dynamics, with a 2026 median salary projected at $136,787. This figure is lower than the national median of $151,886, suggesting a regional pay disparity. The salary range for air traffic controllers in the area spans from $79,337 at the 10th percentile to $187,960 at the 90th percentile, indicating a substantial variance based on factors like facility type and individual qualifications. As the FAA categorizes positions across en route (Level 12), terminal (Level 11), and tower (Level 7) facilities, these classifications significantly impact pay levels and career progression opportunities.
About the Valparaiso Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,337 | $38.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,487 | $47.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,787 | $65.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,783 | $82.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,960 | $90.36 |
Median Salary Position
9.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Valparaiso
In Valparaiso, IN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,623 (2026 est.). At $136,787, the local median is 9.94% below the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Valparaiso: You'd be above the median
How Valparaiso Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Valparaiso median: $136,787/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Valparaiso Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,730 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -9.94% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Valparaiso, IN earn a median of $136,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.94% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% below the Indiana state average of $138,730.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Valparaiso has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Valparaiso, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $136,787 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $149,821 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,764
2025 BLS Actual
$133,360
2026 Current Est.
$136,787
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Valparaiso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,764 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,456 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,852 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,104 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,724 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,276 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,787 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,303 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Valparaiso metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $110,764 (2019) to $133,360 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,303 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,539 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Valparaiso 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) | $79,337 – $98,487 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,487 – $136,787 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,787 – $170,783 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,783 – $187,960 |
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 Valparaiso
Employment in Valparaiso's air traffic control market is limited, with only nine professionals currently practicing in the area. The cost of living index stands at 91.3, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay might go further in terms of local purchasing power. To maximize earning potential, controllers should consider working at higher-tier facilities or positions like FAA en route centers, which offer more competitive salaries than terminal and tower roles. Compensation can further be enhanced through CPC certification, shift differentials, and overtime, as staffing shortages create additional opportunities for financial gain. By targeting these areas for growth and actively pursuing certifications and skill options, controllers in Valparaiso can increase their earning potential in the competitive field of air traffic management.
More salary data for Valparaiso, 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 $133,360 for air traffic controllersin the Valparaiso 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
Salary data for Valparaiso is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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