Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Lafayette, IN: $67.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Lafayette, IN runs $67.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,585 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,755 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Indiana, the projected air traffic controller hourly pay in 2026 stands at $67.11, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This disparity can impact those seeking part-time positions or per-diem work in environments such as en route center radar consoles or FAA control tower cabs. For controllers working three days a week, dedicated professionals may experience a significant variation in their hourly incomes, as the low end of the pay scale starts from $38.93, escalating to $95.04 for the highest earners in the region. These hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary estimates, presenting an avenue for potential earnings that may appeal to individuals considering positions in Lafayette’s diverse air traffic control settings.
About the Lafayette 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) | $38.93 | $311.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.95 | $391.57 |
| Median (P50) | $67.11 | $536.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.06 | $680.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.04 | $760.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $67.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.11/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, IN can expect to earn approximately $139,592 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,534. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,684.46 | $11,633 | $139,592 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,610.68 | $6,980 | $83,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,073.78 | $4,653 | $55,837 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Lafayette) | $67.11 |
| 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 Lafayette, IN earn a median of $139,585 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.10% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% above the Indiana state average of $138,615.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.11/hr = $83,755/year (purchasing power: $91,736).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,592/year (purchasing power: $152,894).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Lafayette grew 20.4% from $54.34/hr (2019) to $65.43/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.84/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Looking specifically at part-time earning potentials, a typical air traffic controller working 24 hours a week at the hourly rate can expect to take home considerably less annually compared to a full-time position. With controllers often logging significant overtime—up to 60 hours per week in understaffed environments—the push for extra hours underscores the relevance of overtime compensation, which can bring total earnings far above base rates. Here, per diem arrangements for those transitioning between facilities provide negotiable incomes amid evolving staffing needs. Hourly rates can also fluctuate depending on the type of employer, with FAA en route centers and terminal control towers generally offering different compensation structures compared to military or contract-operated facilities. Some controllers may opt for lower-paying jobs that come with benefits, while others prefer higher hourly rates without additional perks. For those looking to negotiate salaries in Lafayette, emphasizing relevant experience and understanding the facility type can prove beneficial in discussions about compensation.
More salary data for Lafayette, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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