Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Mishawaka, IN: $65.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Mishawaka, IN runs $65.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,522 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Mishawaka's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,310 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mishawaka, Indiana, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is $65.15, which falls below the national median of $73.02. This disparity can impact the earning potential for those in part-time positions or seeking per diem opportunities in various settings. Controllers often work in environments such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or traffic control towers, where they manage the complexities of air traffic. The hourly range in Mishawaka spans from approximately $37.79 for entry-level positions to $97.31 for the highest earners. These figures are based on estimates derived from the 2025 BLS data, providing a snapshot of the market for air traffic controller hourly pay in this Indiana city.
About the Mishawaka 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) | $37.79 | $302.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.92 | $375.32 |
| Median (P50) | $65.15 | $521.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.40 | $667.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.31 | $778.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mishawaka
Based on $65.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.15/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mishawaka, IN can expect to earn approximately $135,517 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,183. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mishawaka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mishawaka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,606.10 | $11,293 | $135,517 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,563.66 | $6,776 | $81,310 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,042.44 | $4,517 | $54,207 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Mishawaka) | $65.15 |
| 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 Mishawaka, IN earn a median of $135,522 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.30% below the Indiana state average of $138,712.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.15/hr = $81,310/year (purchasing power: $89,058).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,517/year (purchasing power: $148,431).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mishawaka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Mishawaka grew 20.4% from $52.76/hr (2019) to $63.52/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.83/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 Mishawaka 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 Mishawaka
Examining the financial dynamics reveals that a part-time air traffic controller working three days a week (24 hours) would see substantial annual earnings, though not as high as a full-time worker. Controllers often capitalize on per diem contracts, especially during transitional training at various FAA facilities, where the potential for significant overtime can increase overall compensation markedly. Many controllers work 50-60 hours weekly, leveraging overtime pay, which can see their effective hourly compensation surge above standard rates. Employment contexts vary, with FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport traffic control towers offering differing pay scales. Some might opt for positions with lower hourly wages at federal facilities in exchange for better benefits, such as health insurance. For prospective air traffic controllers in Mishawaka, understanding how to negotiate effectively around these pay structures and other compensation factors is crucial for securing the most favorable rate.
More salary data for Mishawaka, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Mishawaka in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Mishawaka?
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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 Mishawaka. 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 Mishawaka 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