Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Franklin, IN: $79,068 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Franklin, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,068 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,602 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,325) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates considering a career as an air traffic controller in Franklin, Indiana, the starting salary projection for 2026 indicates a competitive entry point with a salary of $79,068. Even though this figure is below the city median of $136,325, it sets the stage for upward mobility within the field. Early-career controllers can anticipate growth over the initial years, potentially achieving the 25th percentile salary of $98,153 as they gain experience and additional training. This trajectory hints at a solid career path for those just starting, particularly in a market like Franklin, which shows promise for new entrants into air traffic control.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Franklin, IN typically start between $79,068 and $98,153 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,831 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,325 — 10.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Indiana of $35,000 represents just 44.27% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($79,068/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $79,068 to $98,153, 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 Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin'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 Franklin is $111,831 ( 141.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,068, experienced hygienists can earn up to $190,899.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,169
2025 BLS Actual
$77,087
2026 Current Est.
$79,068
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,169 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,523 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,658 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,339 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,895 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,634 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,087 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,068 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,100 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, IN grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,169 in 2019 to $77,087 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,100. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
In terms of employment opportunities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary employer in the region seeking fresh talent through both 'off-the-street' hiring announcements and partnerships with universities via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). New applicants must be U.S. citizens and generally under the age of 31, unless they hold military experience. Starting salaries can be influenced by achieving relevant credentials such as a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). New air traffic controllers can expect to undergo Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, which is paid and essential for gaining proficiency. In their first few years, controllers can look forward to strategic career advancement, particularly given the ongoing need for staffing in the sector, driven by factors such as mandatory retirement at age 56 and a history of chronic understaffing since the 2013 sequester.
More salary data for Franklin, 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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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