Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lafayette, IN: $139,585 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Lafayette, IN earns a median $139,585/year (≈ $67.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Lafayette's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $152,886 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Indiana, the projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers is $139,585 in 2026, which reflects a competitive position in a job market characterized by chronic understaffing. While the salary range spans from $80,960 at the lower decile to $197,691 at the upper decile, these figures underscore how many controllers are frequently clocking 50-60 hour weeks, driving their effective compensation higher through overtime. This local estimate is derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlighting a disparity when compared to the 2026 national median salary of $151,886, where Lafayette's figures come in about 8.10% lower. The tight-knit community of just 15 air traffic controllers means that every employee's performance directly influences job conditions and opportunities in the field.
About the Lafayette Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,960 | $38.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,801 | $48.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,585 | $67.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,924 | $85.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,691 | $95.04 |
Median Salary Position
8.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lafayette
In Lafayette, IN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,731 (2026 est.). At $139,585, the local median is 8.1% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lafayette: You'd be above the median
How Lafayette Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Lafayette median: $139,585/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lafayette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,615 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.10% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Lafayette, IN earn a median of $139,585 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.10% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% above the Indiana state average of $138,615.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lafayette 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.
Lafayette, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $139,585 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $152,886 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,030
2025 BLS Actual
$136,088
2026 Current Est.
$139,585
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,858 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,242 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,540 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,255 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,634 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,088 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,585 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,173 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lafayette metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,030 (2019) to $136,088 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,173 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,143 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lafayette 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) | $80,960 – $101,801 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,801 – $139,585 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,585 – $176,924 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,924 – $197,691 |
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 Lafayette
The job market for air traffic controllers in Lafayette benefits from a favorable cost of living index of 91.3, conducive to maintaining a comfortable standard of living despite the lower salary figures compared to national averages. Employment within the FAA and military branches typically offers the highest pay in the region, with en route centers commanding premium salaries due to their responsibilities for high-altitude traffic management. Factors such as the facility tier level—from en route to terminal and airport towers, alongside the development of Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status—directly impact potential earnings. Controllers can often increase their pay by taking advantage of shift differentials, mandatory overtime, and specialized roles such as traffic management coordinators. The combination of strategic career decisions and an understanding of the local pay structures can effectively enhance take-home compensation opportunities for those considering or currently within the air traffic controller profession in Lafayette, IN.
More salary data for Lafayette, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $136,088 for air traffic controllersin the Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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