Actuaries vs. Air Traffic Controllers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllerss out-earn Actuariess by $19K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Actuariess land at $125,770 and Air Traffic Controllerss at $144,580. The education gap is real: actuary programs typically require bachelor's degree, while air traffic controller programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Actuariess is District of Columbia ($153,340); for Air Traffic Controllerss it's Virginia ($185,890).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Actuaries median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Actuariess or Air Traffic Controllerss?
Air Traffic Controllerss earn more nationally. The median is $125,770 for Actuariess versus $144,580 for Air Traffic Controllerss, a difference of $19K. Per BLS OEWS May 2024.
Which has better job growth, Actuaries or Air Traffic Controllers?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Actuaries or Air Traffic Controllers?
Actuaries typically requires bachelor's degree. Air Traffic Controllers requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Actuariess get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Actuariess at $153,340/year, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Actuaries vs. Air Traffic Controllers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Actuariess earn $153,260 vs. $164,070 for Air Traffic Controllerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.