Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Fort Wayne, IN: $68.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Fort Wayne, IN runs $68.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,477 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Fort Wayne's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $75.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,085 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Fort Wayne, Indiana, earn a median hourly pay of $68.98, which falls short of the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate has significant implications for both full-time employees and part-time workers. For those who work part-time, say for three days a week, this rate allows them to achieve a substantial income while maintaining flexibility. Controllers often operate in varied environments such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers, each demanding high levels of concentration and skill. The hourly wage varies widely, ranging from $40.01 for entry-level positions to $103.27 for top earners, reflecting experience and role complexity. These figures are derived from estimates based on annual salaries but provide a clear picture of the hourly compensation landscape in air traffic control in Fort Wayne.
About the Fort Wayne 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) | $40.01 | $320.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.66 | $397.32 |
| Median (P50) | $68.98 | $551.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.29 | $706.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.27 | $826.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Wayne
Based on $68.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.98/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Wayne, IN can expect to earn approximately $143,475 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,774. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Wayne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Wayne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,759.13 | $11,956 | $143,475 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,655.48 | $7,174 | $86,085 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,103.65 | $4,782 | $57,390 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Fort Wayne) | $68.98 |
| 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 Fort Wayne, IN earn a median of $143,477 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.54% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% above the Indiana state average of $138,625.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.98/hr = $86,085/year (purchasing power: $94,288).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,475/year (purchasing power: $157,147).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fort Wayne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Fort Wayne grew 20.4% from $55.86/hr (2019) to $67.25/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.75/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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne
Part-time controllers, working just 24 hours a week, can expect a practical annual income that significantly differs from their full-time counterparts. With a base rate like $68.98, they might secure a more manageable work-life balance but won't approach the financial stability that comes from full-time hours. Many professionals in this field take on per-diem roles or agency positions, further impacting their earnings. Controllers frequently find themselves in situations where overtime is not just common but necessary due to understaffing, often racking up $50,000 to $100,000 in additional pay during peak operational periods. Different employer types in Fort Wayne, such as FAA en route centers and airport traffic control towers, also present varied compensation rates. Some controllers trade higher hourly rates for lucrative benefits such as health insurance, while others pursue options that allow more immediate cash flow but less security. For those in negotiation, showcasing relevant qualifications and expressing availability for shift work can be beneficial strategies in securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Fort Wayne, 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 Fort Wayne. 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 Fort Wayne 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