Indianapolis vs Shelbyville: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Shelbyville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Shelbyville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $176,328▲ | $132,077 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.77▲ | $63.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,473▲ | $76,604 |
| 25th Percentile | $160,307▲ | $95,096 |
| 75th Percentile | $193,950▲ | $161,767 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,458▲ | $174,961 |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelbyville.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Shelbyville is $44,251 (33.50%). Indianapolis's median is +16.09% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $101,985,Shelbyville spans $98,357. Indianapolis 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, Indianapolis ($184,258 effective) pays 27.37% more than Shelbyville ($144,663 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($176,328/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($209,458)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $184,258)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shelbyville if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Indianapolis grew 22.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Shelbyville over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$139,840 (2019) → $171,910 (2025)
Shelbyville, IN
$111,307 (2024) → $128,768 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Shelbyville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Indianapolis or Shelbyville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Shelbyville?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Shelbyville as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Indianapolis vs Shelbyville?
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