Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Bloomington, IN: $203,675 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Bloomington, IN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $203,675/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Bloomington's price premium (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $223,083 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the experienced air traffic controller salary in Bloomington, Indiana is projected to reach a median of $137,444, with top earners (P90) able to command salaries as high as $203,675. This competitive compensation places Bloomington’s P90 slightly below the national benchmark, which stands at $151,886. Notably, a considerable gap exists between the median income and the earnings of top-tier professionals, reflecting an experience premium that underscores the value of accumulated expertise and performance in air traffic control operations. To achieve a senior air traffic controller pay trajectory in Bloomington, controllers must excel in high-pressure environments, demonstrate advanced operational skills, and often pursue additional certifications or specialized training that align with the unique demands of different facilities.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Bloomington earn between $175,928 and $203,675 per year (2026 est.). This $123,958 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bloomington median of $137,444 sits 9.51% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Bloomington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $137,444 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,928 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $203,675 | $221,151 |
In Bloomington, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 48.19% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Bloomington
Advanced Certifications in Indiana
IN air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $137,444 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bloomington employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Bloomington command premium compensation, often reaching the $175,928–$203,675 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bloomington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Bloomington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Indiana who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Bloomington
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBloomington ranks #8 of 43 Indiana cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $203,675).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Bloomington ($203,675) is 1% below the Indiana average P90 ($205,742).
2019 BLS Actual
$162,387
2025 BLS Actual
$198,572
2026 Current Est.
$203,675
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $162,387 | Actual |
| 2020 | $170,178 | Actual |
| 2021 | $171,293 | Actual |
| 2022 | $174,802 | Actual |
| 2023 | $185,107 | Actual |
| 2024 | $171,563 | Actual |
| 2025 | $198,572 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $203,675 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $208,910 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Bloomington saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $162,387 in 2019 to $198,572 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $208,910 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Bloomington
Analyzing the dynamics of senior-level compensation in Bloomington reveals that specialization plays a critical role in salary differentiation. Experienced professionals focusing on en route or radar operations can expect to earn higher salaries than those in terminal radar (TRACON) or tower positions. Employers like FAA en route centers or terminal control facilities typically offer more competitive pay packages, while military ATC also provides a distinct pay structure. Career advancement in this field often entails progressing from developmental controller to roles such as certified professional controller (CPC) and beyond, potentially leading to positions like traffic management coordinator or facility manager. Enhancing credentials through rigorous FAA training and maintaining CPC certification status can further influence compensation, as can factors such as shift differentials and overtime opportunities. Non-salary incentives, alongside a facility's tier within the system, contribute significantly to the overall remuneration of air traffic controllers in Bloomington and reflect the ongoing need for skilled professionals in a historically understaffed industry.
More salary data for Bloomington, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Bloomington in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Bloomington?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Bloomington?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Bloomington?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Bloomington?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $198,572 for air traffic controllers in the Bloomington metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bloomington 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