Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Wayne, IN: $116,773 (2026)

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Fort Wayne: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Wayne offers a median air traffic controller salary of $116,773, which is $6,869 below the Indiana state average of $123,642. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Fort Wayne pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Wayne's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $116,773 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Wayne an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Fort Wayne spans from $69,700 at the 10th percentile to $168,300 at the 90th percentile — a $98,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,250, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $161,500. With a population of 263,886, Fort Wayne is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Wayne by Experience

In Fort Wayne, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $72,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$72,250

$-12,750 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$119,000

$-21,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$161,500

$-28,500 vs national

Percentile	Fort Wayne	IN State	National
10th Percentile	$69,700	$73,800	$82,000
25th Percentile	$91,800	$97,200	$108,000
Median (50th)	$116,773	$123,642	$137,380
75th Percentile	$148,750	$157,500	$175,000
90th Percentile	$168,300	$178,200	$198,000

Percentile

Fort Wayne

10th Percentile

$69,700

25th Percentile

$91,800

Median (50th)

$116,773

75th Percentile

$148,750

90th Percentile

$168,300

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Fort Wayne

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Fort Wayne and the surrounding Indiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fort Wayne may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Wayne

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana is $116,773 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $69,700 (10th percentile) to $168,300 (90th percentile).

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Fort Wayne? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $116,773, a air traffic controller in Fort Wayne earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Wayne compare to the Indiana state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Fort Wayne's median air traffic controller salary of $116,773 is 5.6% below the Indiana state average of $123,642. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼

Fort Wayne has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $116,773 in Fort Wayne has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Fort Wayne? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Fort Wayne require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana