Merrillville vs South Bend: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Merrillville, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merrillville, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,021 | $143,089▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.95 | $68.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,152 | $82,991▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,775 | $103,024▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $169,741 | $183,154▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $188,131 | $208,132▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 26▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrillville.
The salary gap between Merrillville and South Bend is $10,068 (7.57%). South Bend's median is -5.79% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merrillville spans $110,979,South Bend spans $125,141. South Bend has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, South Bend ($156,724 effective) pays 7.57% more than Merrillville ($145,697 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merrillville if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,089/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($208,132)
- ✓Larger job market (26 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,724)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Merrillville grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Merrillville, IN
$112,102 (2024) → $129,688 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$120,587 (2024) → $139,504 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merrillville, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Merrillville or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merrillville and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Merrillville to South Bend as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Merrillville vs South Bend?
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