Transportation & Logistics South Bend, IN Pop. 103,453

Air Traffic Controller Salary in South Bend, Indiana

The median air traffic controller salary in South Bend, IN is $114,025 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 7.8% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$114,025
vs State Avg
$-9,617
vs National
$-23,355
Cost of Living
83%

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

South Bend offers a median air traffic controller salary of $114,025, which is $9,617 below the Indiana state average of $123,642. Compared to the national median of $137,380, South Bend pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of South Bend's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $114,025 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes South Bend an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in South Bend spans from $68,060 at the 10th percentile to $164,340 at the 90th percentile — a $96,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,550, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $157,700. With a population of 103,453, South Bend is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in South Bend by Experience

In South Bend, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $70,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $157,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,550
$-14,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$116,200
$-23,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$157,700
$-32,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Bend, IN

Percentile South Bend
10th Percentile $68,060
25th Percentile $89,640
Median (50th) $114,025
75th Percentile $145,250
90th Percentile $164,340

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$144,249
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$127,763
Pop. 887,642
Fort Wayne, IN
$116,773
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$115,399
Pop. 117,429

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in South Bend

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in South Bend

Browse open air traffic controller positions in South Bend, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in South Bend

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in South Bend, IN? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in South Bend, Indiana is $114,025 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $68,060 (10th percentile) to $164,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in South Bend? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,025, a air traffic controller in South Bend earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Bend compare to the Indiana state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
South Bend's median air traffic controller salary of $114,025 is 7.8% below the Indiana state average of $123,642. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Bend, IN? ▼
South Bend has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $114,025 in South Bend 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 South Bend? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in South Bend 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.