Carmel vs Fort Wayne: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Carmel, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carmel, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $174,783▲ | $143,477 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.04▲ | $68.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,374▲ | $83,217 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,944▲ | $103,303 |
| 75th Percentile | $223,723▲ | $183,651 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $256,099▲ | $214,786 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 66▲ |
Verdict
Carmel, IN offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Carmel and Fort Wayne is $31,306 (21.82%). Carmel's median is +15.08% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carmel spans $154,725,Fort Wayne spans $131,569. Carmel has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Carmel ($191,438 effective) pays 21.82% more than Fort Wayne ($157,149 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carmel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($174,783/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($256,099)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $191,438)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Larger job market (66 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Carmel grew 48.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Carmel, IN
$114,682 (2024) → $170,404 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$120,914 (2024) → $139,882 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carmel, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Carmel or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carmel and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Carmel to Fort Wayne as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Carmel vs Fort Wayne?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov