Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Brownsburg, IN: $63.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Brownsburg, IN runs $63.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,277 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Brownsburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,763 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brownsburg, Indiana, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $63.11, which is notably lower than the national figure of $73.02. This disparity may reflect the lower cost of living in Brownsburg, where the cost of living index is 91.3, compared to the national average. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this translates into a solid earning potential with a typical schedule of approximately 24 hours weekly. In varied environments—like en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers—hourly wages range from $36.61 for entry-level positions to $87.68 for seasoned professionals. These figures, derived from projected annual salaries, provide insight into the financial landscape awaiting aspiring air traffic controllers in Brownsburg.
About the Brownsburg Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.61 | $292.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.44 | $363.51 |
| Median (P50) | $63.11 | $504.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.52 | $636.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.68 | $701.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brownsburg
Based on $63.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.11/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brownsburg, IN can expect to earn approximately $131,272 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,734. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brownsburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brownsburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,524.45 | $10,939 | $131,272 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,514.67 | $6,564 | $78,763 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,009.78 | $4,376 | $52,509 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Brownsburg) | $63.11 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Brownsburg, IN earn a median of $131,277 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.57% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.30% below the Indiana state average of $138,624.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.11/hr = $78,763/year (purchasing power: $86,268).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,272/year (purchasing power: $143,780).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Brownsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Brownsburg grew 20.4% from $51.10/hr (2019) to $61.53/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.73/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brownsburg 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Brownsburg
Considering part-time opportunities, a controller working a 24-hour week could expect to earn around $78,754 annually, a figure that reflects the well-balanced work and life aspect often desired in this profession. Additionally, the potential for significant overtime compensation cannot be overstated; many controllers at understaffed facilities frequently log 50-60 hours weekly, positioning their effective hourly pay well above base figures, sometimes exceeding $100,000 annually when factoring in overtime. Working in various environments—FAA en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, or even military air traffic control—also affects compensation. While some controllers might opt for positions that offer lower pay but include solid health benefits, others may choose the lucrative benefits of per diem air traffic controller pay in Brownsburg, negotiating arrangements during facility transfer training. Understanding the trade-offs and negotiating hourly rates effectively can be crucial for aspiring controllers navigating their career paths.
More salary data for Brownsburg, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Brownsburg. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brownsburg 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