Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Crown Point, IN: $76,628 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Crown Point, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,628 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Crown Point's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,930 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,117) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the air traffic controller profession in Crown Point, Indiana, can expect a starting air traffic controller salary of approximately $76,628 annually. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, but new graduates should keep in mind that this entry-level pay is significantly lower than the median salary of $132,117 for air traffic controllers in the city. Over the first few years, as one gains experience and potentially moves up to the 25th percentile with a salary of $95,205, there is a reasonable trajectory for growth. Considering the overall employment situation in Crown Point, with only seven air traffic controllers currently in the area, recent graduates may find a competitive but somewhat limited market at the start of their careers, making it essential to consider factors such as relocation or pursuing positions in larger regional facilities to maximize their earning potential.
About the Crown Point Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Crown Point
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Crown Point
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Crown Point, IN typically start between $76,628 and $95,205 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,506 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,117 — 13.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Indiana of $35,000 represents just 45.68% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($76,628/year) in Crown Point. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Crown Point
- 1Research the Crown Point market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $76,628 to $95,205, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Crown Point, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Crown Point for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Crown Point's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Crown Point is $113,506 ( 148.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,628, experienced hygienists can earn up to $190,134.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,096
2025 BLS Actual
$74,708
2026 Current Est.
$76,628
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Crown Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,096 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,316 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,478 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,107 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,584 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,577 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,708 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,628 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,597 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Crown Point, IN grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,096 in 2019 to $74,708 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,597. New graduates entering the Crown Point job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Crown Point metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Crown Point
Employers such as the FAA are key hires for new air traffic controllers in Crown Point, often seeking candidates through "off-the-street" hiring announcements, especially for those under the age of 31 who are not military veterans. Graduates who have participated in the FAA's Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program may find it easier to transition into available roles, as this pathway is designed to cultivate new talent for the FAA. To bolster their starting pay in Indiana, candidates should focus on meeting prerequisites like US citizenship, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and completing initial qualification training at the FAA Academy. The first few years in this role are critical, especially since air traffic controllers are on the FG pay scale with salaries that can escalate quickly in prominent facilities, particularly in larger centers with significant overtime opportunities. As controllers navigate their early careers, managing the mandated retirement age of 56 and engaging with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) can provide additional support and resources as they aim to advance their career trajectories.
More salary data for Crown Point, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Crown Point. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Crown Point is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov