Actuaries vs. Air Traffic Controllers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllers out-earn Actuaries by $18K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Actuaries land at $130,000 and Air Traffic Controllers at $148,080. 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 Actuaries is Connecticut ($166,800); for Air Traffic Controllers it's Virginia ($191,820).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Actuaries median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Actuaries or Air Traffic Controllers?
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally. The median is $130,000 for Actuaries versus $148,080 for Air Traffic Controllers, a difference of $18K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Actuaries or Air Traffic Controllers?
Actuaries has the better 10-year outlook at 21.8% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Actuaries get paid the most?
Connecticut is the top-paying state for Actuaries at $166,800/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. 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 Connecticut, Actuaries earn $166,800 vs. $140,940 for Air Traffic Controllers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.