Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Portage, IN: $64.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Portage, IN runs $64.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,946 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Portage's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,363 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portage, Indiana, the projected hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at $64.39 in 2026, a figure notably lower than the national median of $73.02 per hour. This hourly rate influences part-time and per-diem workers, frequently operating in various settings, such as en route centers or airport towers that require acute concentration and decision-making. For those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek, this rate offers an appealing income opportunity, but it's essential to weigh that against the expectations and demands of the job. The hourly salary ranges significantly, starting at $37.35 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $91.93 for experienced personnel, indicating a robust earning potential across the spectrum of this profession in Portage.
About the Portage 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) | $37.35 | $298.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.36 | $370.89 |
| Median (P50) | $64.39 | $515.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.43 | $659.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.93 | $735.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portage
Based on $64.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.39/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portage, IN can expect to earn approximately $133,938 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,272. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Portage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,575.74 | $11,162 | $133,938 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,545.44 | $6,697 | $80,363 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,030.30 | $4,465 | $53,575 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Portage) | $64.39 |
| 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 Portage, IN earn a median of $133,946 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% below the Indiana state average of $138,661.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.39/hr = $80,363/year (purchasing power: $88,021).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,938/year (purchasing power: $146,701).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Portage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Portage grew 20.4% from $52.14/hr (2019) to $62.78/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.05/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 Portage 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 Portage
Exploring part-time and per-diem air traffic controller pay in Portage, part-time employees working 24 hours a week can earn a substantial amount annually, although they may miss out on the heightened earnings potential that comes with full-time status. Controllers at busy facilities often take on overtime, receiving compensation at 1.5 times their base rate. Those working 50-60 hours each week can significantly boost their income, with many earning an additional $50,000 to $100,000 due to overtime protocols. Furthermore, different employment types impact hourly rates, where FAA en route centers may offer more competitive pay than smaller towers or military positions, but with varying levels of benefits. In Portage, some professionals opt for roles with lower hourly rates but better healthcare coverage, whereas others prefer higher pay without benefits. When negotiating terms, it's essential for air traffic controllers to consider both salary and benefit trade-offs, as these decisions can directly impact overall compensation and job satisfaction in this demanding field.
More salary data for Portage, 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 Portage. 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 Portage 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