Transportation & Logistics Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median air traffic controller salary in Indianapolis, IN is $127,763 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$127,763
vs State Avg
+$4,121
vs National
$-9,617
Cost of Living
93%

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

Indianapolis offers a median air traffic controller salary of $127,763, which is $4,121 above the Indiana state average of $123,642. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Indianapolis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Indianapolis's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Indianapolis spans from $76,260 at the 10th percentile to $184,140 at the 90th percentile — a $107,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,050, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $176,700. As a major metro area with a population of 887,642, Indianapolis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $79,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $176,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,050
$-5,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$130,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$176,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $76,260
25th Percentile $100,440
Median (50th) $127,763
75th Percentile $162,750
90th Percentile $184,140

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$144,249
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$116,773
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$115,399
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$114,025
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Indianapolis

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $127,763 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $76,260 (10th percentile) to $184,140 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,763, a air traffic controller in Indianapolis earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median air traffic controller salary of $127,763 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $123,642. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
Indianapolis has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $127,763 in Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Indianapolis 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.