Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Carmel, IN: $84.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Carmel, IN runs $84.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $174,783 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Carmel's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $92.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,876 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carmel, Indiana, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at a median of $84.04, notably higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This elevated pay level offers a lucrative opportunity for part-time controllers who may work three days a week. For instance, in typical work settings such as en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control tower cabs, part-time positions can lead to significant earnings even with reduced hours. The hourly pay range is also pronounced, stretching from $48.74 at the entry level up to $123.13 for the top earners, reflecting the varying levels of responsibility and experience across the profession. These hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Carmel are estimated based on anticipated annual salary data for 2026, encapsulating the financial outlook for both aspiring and seasoned professionals.
About the Carmel 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) | $48.74 | $389.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.55 | $484.38 |
| Median (P50) | $84.04 | $672.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.55 | $860.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123.13 | $985.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carmel
Based on $84.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.04/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carmel, IN can expect to earn approximately $174,794 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,843. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carmel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carmel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,361.42 | $14,566 | $174,794 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,016.85 | $8,740 | $104,876 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,344.57 | $5,826 | $69,918 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Carmel) | $84.04 |
| 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 Carmel, IN earn a median of $174,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.08% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 26.00% above the Indiana state average of $138,717.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.04/hr = $104,876/year (purchasing power: $114,870).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $174,794/year (purchasing power: $191,450).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$68.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Carmel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $71.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $73.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Carmel grew 20.4% from $68.05/hr (2019) to $81.93/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.20/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 Carmel 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 Carmel
Exploring part-time earning potential reveals that a controller working 24 hours a week can still achieve noteworthy compensation compared to their full-time counterparts. This scenario allows for flexibility while accumulating substantial pay on a per diem basis, which is a prevailing reality for many in this field. Overtime opportunities, which can elevate compensation significantly, are common due to chronic staffing shortages, with some controllers accruing an additional $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Various employment types affect pay scales as well; while FAA en route centers may offer higher overall compensation due to their workload and staffing needs, smaller tower facilities and contract positions may provide lower hourly rates but come with varied benefits. Benefits packages can be a deciding factor for many controllers, who might prefer lower hourly rates coupled with comprehensive health coverage over higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating in Carmel, understanding the trade-offs associated with different employer types and leveraging overtime rates will be essential in maximizing their earning potential.
More salary data for Carmel, 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 Carmel. 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 Carmel 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