Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kokomo, IN: $136,576 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Kokomo, IN earns a median $136,576/year (≈ $65.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Kokomo's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $149,590 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kokomo, Indiana, air traffic controllers can expect a 2026 median annual salary of $136,576, which is approximately 10.08% lower than the national average. This compensation is reflective of the unique economic factors in the area, including the potential for overtime. Controllers often work 50 to 60-hour weeks due to understaffing, which can significantly boost their overall earnings. The salary range varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at around $79,214 and top earners reaching approximately $200,750. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for local cost variations, highlighting the demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the Kokomo job market.
About the Kokomo Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,214 | $38.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,003 | $47.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,576 | $65.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,717 | $83.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,750 | $96.52 |
Median Salary Position
10.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kokomo
In Kokomo, IN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,536 (2026 est.). At $136,576, the local median is 10.08% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kokomo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kokomo Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Kokomo median: $136,576/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kokomo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,656 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -10.08% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Kokomo, IN earn a median of $136,576 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.08% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the Indiana state average of $138,656.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kokomo has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kokomo, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $136,576 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $149,590 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,593
2025 BLS Actual
$133,154
2026 Current Est.
$136,576
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kokomo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,593 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,274 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,672 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,533 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,098 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,154 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,576 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,086 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kokomo metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $110,593 (2019) to $133,154 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,086 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,493 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kokomo 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $79,214 – $99,003 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,003 – $136,576 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,576 – $172,717 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,717 – $200,750 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Kokomo
With only 13 air traffic controllers currently employed in Kokomo, the local job market is relatively small but can provide opportunities for competitive compensation. The cost of living index in Kokomo stands at 91.3, indicating a lower-than-average living expense compared to national standards, which can positively impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Among local employers, FAA en route centers and TRACONs generally offer higher salaries due to the complexities of managing high-altitude and terminal traffic, respectively. Pay disparities are driven by various factors, such as the tier levels of facilities and individual certifications, including CPC status. By coordinating overtime effectively and seeking out night or holiday shifts, controllers can maximize their earning potential, making Kokomo an attractive location for those in the field looking to make the most of their air traffic controller pay in Kokomo, IN.
More salary data for Kokomo, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $133,154 for air traffic controllersin the Kokomo metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kokomo 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