Air Traffic Controller Salary in West Lafayette, IN: $132,408 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in West Lafayette, IN earns a median $132,408/year (≈ $63.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in West Lafayette's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $145,025 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Lafayette, Indiana, the projected median annual air traffic controller salary stands at $132,408 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $151,886. This figure reflects local estimates from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional living expenses, where controllers earn between $76,796 and $191,106 depending on their experience and facility tier. Air traffic controllers working at en route Level 12 facilities typically earn more compared to those at terminal and tower levels, which can significantly influence overall compensation in this market. These salary dynamics underscore the importance of facility classification and exemplify how the position's pay varies substantially across different operational settings in West Lafayette.
About the West Lafayette Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,796 | $36.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,763 | $46.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,408 | $63.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,482 | $81.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $191,106 | $91.88 |
Median Salary Position
12.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Lafayette
In West Lafayette, IN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,310 (2026 est.). At $132,408, the local median is 12.82% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Lafayette: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Lafayette Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
West Lafayette median: $132,408/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Lafayette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,647 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -12.82% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in West Lafayette, IN earn a median of $132,408 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.82% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the Indiana state average of $138,647.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West 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.
West Lafayette, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $132,408 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,025 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,218
2025 BLS Actual
$129,090
2026 Current Est.
$132,408
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in West Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,218 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,695 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,111 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,762 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,585 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,090 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,408 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,810 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Lafayette metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $107,218 (2019) to $129,090 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,810 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,592 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West 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) | $76,796 – $95,763 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,763 – $132,408 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,408 – $169,482 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,482 – $191,106 |
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 West Lafayette
The local job market consists of only eight air traffic controllers, indicating a small yet specialized workforce in West Lafayette. With a cost-of-living index of 91.3, controllers often have a greater take-home purchasing power compared to larger metropolitan areas. Among the various employers, the FAA’s en route centers generally offer higher pay, while terminal and tower jobs follow behind. Factors influencing the range of salaries include facility level, certification status, shift differentials, and the availability of overtime work—a common aspect in a chronically understaffed environment. To maximize pay, aspiring controllers should aim for positions in en route facilities and seek progression to CPC status while taking advantage of overtime opportunities. Understanding these dynamics can enhance your career growth as you navigate your future in air traffic control in West Lafayette, IN.
More salary data for West Lafayette, 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 $129,090 for air traffic controllersin the West 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 West 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