Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hammond, IN: $64.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hammond, IN runs $64.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,885 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hammond's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,926 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hammond, Indiana, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $64.84 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02 per hour. This wage provides a substantial income, particularly for part-time controllers who work three days a week; such positions allow for flexibility while still yielding a competitive hourly rate. The hourly range in Hammond spans from $37.61 at the entry level to $96.09 for top earners, making it a viable option for those entering the field or seeking supplementary income through per-diem work. Controllers typically operate in various settings, including en route centers, radar facilities, and airport control towers, where their responsibilities necessitate keen focus and adaptability to varying traffic scenarios. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, offering insight into the pay structure among air traffic controllers in this region.
About the Hammond 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) | $37.61 | $300.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.69 | $373.52 |
| Median (P50) | $64.84 | $518.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.01 | $664.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.09 | $768.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hammond
Based on $64.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.84/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hammond, IN can expect to earn approximately $134,877 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,814. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hammond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hammond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,593.79 | $11,240 | $134,877 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,556.27 | $6,744 | $80,926 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,037.52 | $4,496 | $53,951 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hammond) | $64.84 |
| 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 Hammond, IN earn a median of $134,885 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.19% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.70% below the Indiana state average of $138,628.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.84/hr = $80,926/year (purchasing power: $88,638).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,877/year (purchasing power: $147,730).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hammond grew 20.4% from $52.51/hr (2019) to $63.22/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.51/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 Hammond 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 Hammond
Considering the part-time earning potential, a 24-hour workweek for an air traffic controller equates to approximately $82,985 annually, which can be a beneficial lifestyle choice versus the full-time income. Per-diem roles add another layer of complexity to the compensation model, with opportunities for agency work or locum positions. Many controllers find themselves putting in significant overtime, occasionally working 50 to 60 hours weekly, which can lead them to earn between $50,000 and $100,000 in additional pay beyond the base rate. Different employer types across Hammond contribute to variability in hourly pay—controllers at FAA en route centers may earn differently compared to those in FAA contract towers or military installations. While some may choose positions with lower hourly rates for better health benefits, others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating effectively for hourly roles often involves understanding the unique demands and expectations within the local market, particularly in light of chronic understaffing since 2013.
More salary data for Hammond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hammond in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Hammond?
Are air traffic controllers in Hammond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Hammond?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Hammond?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Indiana
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 Hammond. 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 Hammond 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