Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Munster, IN: $61.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Munster, IN runs $61.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,593 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Munster's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,561 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Munster, Indiana, air traffic controllers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $61.35 in 2026. This figure falls short of the national median hourly rate of $73.02, highlighting a significant disparity. The difference in pay can impact various working arrangements; for example, part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week could expect to earn roughly $45,000 in a year, a rate that may appeal to those managing other commitments. In typical environments, such as en route centers and airport traffic control towers, the hourly pay will vary significantly based on experience and facility type, ranging from $35.58 for entry-level positions to upwards of $85.01 for top earners, showing the potential for growth in this field. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the complexity of this crucial role in aviation.
About the Munster 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) | $35.58 | $284.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.65 | $357.19 |
| Median (P50) | $61.35 | $490.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.64 | $621.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.01 | $680.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Munster
Based on $61.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.35/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Munster, IN can expect to earn approximately $127,602 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,617. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Munster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Munster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,453.88 | $10,634 | $127,602 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,472.33 | $6,380 | $76,561 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $981.55 | $4,253 | $51,041 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Munster) | $61.35 |
| 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 Munster, IN earn a median of $127,593 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.99% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 8.00% below the Indiana state average of $138,688.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.35/hr = $76,561/year (purchasing power: $83,857).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,602/year (purchasing power: $139,761).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Munster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Munster grew 20.4% from $49.68/hr (2019) to $59.81/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.92/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 Munster 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 Munster
Examining the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Munster reveals that working only 24 hours a week often leads to substantially lower annual incomes compared to full-time positions. Controllers at understaffed facilities frequently experience intense workloads, driving overtime earnings that can significantly elevate their hourly compensation above the base pay. With many controllers dedicating 50-60 hours a week, some are raking in an additional $50,000 to $100,000 in overtime. Additionally, per diem compensation for air traffic controllers on a training or location transfer can offer flexible income opportunities. Different types of employers in Munster—ranging from FAA ARTCCs to military air traffic control—can provide varied hourly rates. Some controllers may choose positions with lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might seek higher hourly rates at facilities that lack these perks. For those negotiating their pay, it is crucial to understand the local market and tailor discussions around both hourly rates and the benefits package to support their career goals effectively.
More salary data for Munster, 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 Munster. 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 Munster 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