Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in New Albany, IN: $64.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in New Albany, IN runs $64.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,860 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against New Albany's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,312 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Albany, Indiana, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at $64.35, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This disparity may influence workforce dynamics, particularly in roles typical for part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers. Working about three days a week, these professionals often occupy positions in varied environments such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or airport control towers. The hourly wage can vary widely, with an entry-level air traffic controller potentially earning around $37.33 per hour, while top earners can command rates up to $91.95 per hour. It’s essential to recognize that these rates are derived from annual salary figures, reflecting the broader compensation landscape for controllers at different stages of their careers.
About the New Albany 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) | $37.33 | $298.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.34 | $370.73 |
| Median (P50) | $64.35 | $514.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.37 | $658.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.95 | $735.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Albany
Based on $64.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.35/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Albany, IN can expect to earn approximately $133,853 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,223. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Albany.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Albany
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,574.10 | $11,154 | $133,853 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,544.46 | $6,693 | $80,312 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,029.64 | $4,462 | $53,541 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (New Albany) | $64.35 |
| 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 New Albany, IN earn a median of $133,860 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.87% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $138,715.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.35/hr = $80,312/year (purchasing power: $87,965).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,853/year (purchasing power: $146,608).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in New Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in New Albany grew 20.4% from $52.11/hr (2019) to $62.74/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.01/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 New Albany 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 New Albany
Opportunities for part-time air traffic controllers in New Albany can yield significant earnings, especially if they work a 24-hour week. Such a schedule could result in an actual annual income that mirrors a full-time role without the full-time commitment, providing a lucrative balance for those pursuing it. The per diem model is attractive as well, with many controllers taking advantage of overtime pay, often exceeding base rates significantly, driven by staffing shortages in various facilities. Controllers at FAA en route centers or TRACONs frequently clock in 50 to 60 hours a week, leading to total compensation that can surpass what a standard hourly rate would suggest. Variances in pay can be tied to employer types, including FAA contract towers and military ATC roles, each offering distinct benefits and compensation structures. Therefore, while some may opt for lower hourly rates with the security of benefits, others may prefer higher pay rates that lack healthcare but offer a more immediate financial reward. Negotiating effectively within this environment requires an understanding of these trade-offs and what each role truly offers in both salary and stability within the New Albany air traffic control sector.
More salary data for New Albany, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in New Albany in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in New Albany?
Are air traffic controllers in New Albany paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in New Albany?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in New Albany?
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 New Albany. 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 New Albany 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