Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mishawaka, IN: $135,522 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Mishawaka, IN earns a median $135,522/year (≈ $65.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Mishawaka's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $148,436 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected air traffic controller salary in Mishawaka, Indiana, for 2026 stands at $135,522, slightly lower than the national median of $151,886. This figure highlights the local economic landscape while considering a salary range that varies from $78,602 at the lower end to $202,410 at the upper tier. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and BEA Regional Price Parities reflect the unique economic conditions of the region. As air traffic controllers progress through their careers, they typically achieve full pay after completing a CPC certification, which can take 1 to 3 years. Given this timeline, new controllers in Mishawaka may initially earn significantly less, emphasizing the importance of understanding local earning potential and opportunities for advancement.
About the Mishawaka Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,602 | $37.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,576 | $46.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,522 | $65.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $173,467 | $83.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202,410 | $97.31 |
Median Salary Position
10.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mishawaka
In Mishawaka, IN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,808 (2026 est.). At $135,522, the local median is 10.77% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mishawaka: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mishawaka Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Mishawaka median: $135,522/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mishawaka Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,712 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -10.77% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Mishawaka, IN earn a median of $135,522 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.30% below the Indiana state average of $138,712.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mishawaka 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.
Mishawaka, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $135,522 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,436 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,739
2025 BLS Actual
$132,126
2026 Current Est.
$135,522
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mishawaka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,739 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,369 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,771 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,002 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,579 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,126 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,522 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,005 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mishawaka metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $109,739 (2019) to $132,126 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,005 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,266 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mishawaka 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) | $78,602 – $97,576 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,576 – $135,522 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,522 – $173,467 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $173,467 – $202,410 |
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 Mishawaka
In Mishawaka, only nine air traffic controllers are currently employed, indicating the niche job market's competitive nature. With a cost-of-living index of 91.3, which is below the national average, controllers in the area may find their purchasing power more favorable even if their salaries are modest compared to national figures. To maximize their earning potential, job seekers should consider gaining experience in higher-paying facility types, such as FAA en route centers or terminal radar approach control facilities, which generally offer more lucrative pay structures. Additionally, the spread between lower and higher salaries is influenced by various factors, including CPC certification status and the facility type, with shifts, overtime, and locality pay playing significant roles. Controllers aspiring to boost their income can benefit from pursuing opportunities to work night and holiday shifts, given the premium pay attached to these hours, and maintaining flexibility for overtime assignments.
More salary data for Mishawaka, 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 $132,126 for air traffic controllersin the Mishawaka 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 Mishawaka 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