Air Traffic Controller Salary in Indiana
Based on 350+ workers in Indiana
Median Annual Salary (IN)
$37,730
$18.14/hr
vs National Average
$56,947
-33.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$32K – $61K
350 employed in Indiana
Air traffic controllers in Indiana earn a median salary of $37,730 per year, which is approximately 34% below the national average for this profession. Currently, around 350 air traffic controllers work throughout the state, managing aircraft movements at Indiana's airports and airspace. Understanding compensation in this field helps both prospective and current controllers assess career opportunities in the region.
Several factors influence air traffic controller salary in Indiana, including experience level, facility type, and shift assignments. Controllers working at busier airports or those with more years of service typically earn toward the higher end of the $31,770 to $61,380 range. Additionally, federal pay scales and cost-of-living differences between Indiana and major metropolitan areas contribute to the state's overall lower compensation compared to national standards.
Salary Distribution — Air Traffic Controller in Indiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,770 |
| 25th percentile | $35,300 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,730 |
| 75th percentile | $49,960 |
| 90th percentile | $61,380 |
Top-Paying Industries for Air Traffic Controller (U.S.)
Which industries pay Air Traffic Controllers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Air Traffic Controllers in Indiana tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $103,820 | — |
| Manufacturing | $88,420 | 150 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $70,590 | 160 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,850 | 4K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $49,820 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Air Traffic Controller in Indiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Indiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,600 |
| 2023 | $51,250 |
| 2024 | $43,420 |
| 2025 | $37,730 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,730 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Indiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,600 | $53,742 |
| 2023 | $51,250 | $55,720 |
| 2024 | $43,420 | $55,556 |
| 2025 | $37,730 | $56,947 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,730 | $56,947 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience Level in Indiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,300 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,730 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $49,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $61,380 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other States
Related Air Traffic Controller Salaries in Indiana
How other high-demand occupations in Indiana compare to Air Traffic Controller ($37,730 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Air Traffic Controller | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in IN | $171,260 | +353.9% | $82.34/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in IN | $82,530 | +118.7% | $39.68/hr |
| Plumber in IN | $76,320 | +102.3% | $36.69/hr |
| Electrician in IN | $68,490 | +81.5% | $32.93/hr |
| Construction Laborer in IN | $50,070 | +32.7% | $24.07/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in IN | $49,890 | +32.2% | $23.99/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in IN | $49,360 | +30.8% | $23.73/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in IN | $38,330 | +1.6% | $18.43/hr |
| Tutor in IN | $36,980 | -2.0% | $17.78/hr |
| Security Guard in IN | $36,490 | -3.3% | $17.54/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in IN | $36,250 | -3.9% | $17.43/hr |
| Receptionist in IN | $36,160 | -4.2% | $17.38/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Indiana?
- Air traffic controllers in Indiana earn a median salary of $37,730 per year, or $18 per hour. This is 33.7% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for air traffic controllers in Indiana?
- The salary range for air traffic controllers in Indiana spans from $31,770 at the lower end to $61,380 at the higher end, depending on experience and location within the state.
How many air traffic controller jobs are available in Indiana?
- There are currently 350 air traffic controllers employed in Indiana, representing the total employment for this occupation in the state.
Is the air traffic controller salary in Indiana lower than the national average?
- Yes, Indiana's median air traffic controller salary of $37,730 per year is significantly lower than the national average, falling 33.7% below the national median for this role.