Air Traffic Controller Salary in Zionsville, IN: $133,225 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Zionsville, IN earns a median $133,225/year (≈ $64.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Zionsville's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $145,920 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Zionsville, Indiana, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $133,225 in 2026, a figure that sits below the national median of $151,886. The salary range for this role in the area varies significantly, starting at $77,270 for entry-level positions (P10) and reaching up to $188,813 for highly experienced controllers (P90). These projections are informed by state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlighting the competitive nature of air traffic controller pay Zionsville IN. With a manageable time frame of 1-3 years for obtaining CPC certification, aspiring controllers can economically progress within the field. The demand for controllers reflects the unique opportunities in Zionsville’s job market, positioning it as a viable location for new and established professionals alike.
About the Zionsville Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,270 | $37.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,922 | $46.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,225 | $64.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,140 | $81.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188,813 | $90.77 |
Median Salary Position
12.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Zionsville
In Zionsville, IN, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,543 (2026 est.). At $133,225, the local median is 12.29% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Zionsville: You'd be above the median
How Zionsville Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Zionsville median: $133,225/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Zionsville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,632 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -12.29% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Zionsville, IN earn a median of $133,225 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.29% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.90% below the Indiana state average of $138,632.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Zionsville 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.
Zionsville, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $133,225 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,920 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$107,880
2025 BLS Actual
$129,887
2026 Current Est.
$133,225
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Zionsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,397 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,809 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,002 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,502 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,274 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,887 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,225 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,649 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Zionsville metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $107,880 (2019) to $129,887 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,649 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,769 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Zionsville 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) | $77,270 – $95,922 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,922 – $133,225 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,225 – $170,140 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,140 – $188,813 |
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 Zionsville
The local employment landscape includes only five air traffic controllers, indicating a tight-knit community of professionals operating under various employment categories. Zionsville's cost of living index stands at 91.3, which suggests that purchasing power may be favorable compared to higher-cost urban areas. However, pay scales can fluctuate significantly based on the type of facility, with en route centers generally offering higher compensation than terminal or tower positions. Facilities like FAA en route centers and TRACONs dominate the pay scale hierarchy, with a notable financial advantage for controllers who achieve CPC status, as developmental pay remains at 65-75% of full CPC compensation. Additionally, factors such as shift differentials, potential overtime, and locality adjustments can considerably enhance total earning potential in this region. For controllers in Zionsville looking to maximize their earnings, seeking opportunities in en route facilities and pursuing CPC certification are key strategies.
More salary data for Zionsville, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Zionsville, IN in 2026?
Is Zionsville, IN a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Zionsville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Zionsville?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Zionsville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Indiana
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 $129,887 for air traffic controllersin the Zionsville 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 Zionsville 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