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Salary comparison

Acupuncturists vs. Airfield Operations Specialists: Who Earns More?

Acupuncturists out-earn Airfield Operations Specialists by $19K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Acupuncturists land at $76,040 and Airfield Operations Specialists at $56,850. The education gap is real: acupuncturist programs typically require master's degree, while airfield operations specialist programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Acupuncturists is Tennessee ($141,430); for Airfield Operations Specialists it's Kentucky ($123,290).

Acupuncturists
Airfield Operations Specialists
Median salary
$76,040
$56,850
Hourly rate
$36.56/hr
$27.33/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$38,830
$35,870
Senior level (90th %)
$161,470
$102,120
Education required
Master's degree
No formal educational credential
U.S. employment
7,830
15,190
Job growth (10-year)
6.8%
4.2%
Category
Healthcare
Transportation
Top-paying state
Tennessee
Kentucky

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Acupuncturists median pay.

State
Acupuncturists
Airfield Operations Specialists
New Jersey
$125,260
$42,480
Massachusetts
$93,360
$56,020
New York
$86,120
$42,000
Arizona
$85,300
$77,570
Kentucky
$85,130
$123,290
Washington
$83,200
$84,050
North Carolina
$76,500
$45,820
California
$75,530
$62,600
Georgia
$73,980
$66,790
Florida
$69,990
$57,650
Texas
$66,530
$60,910
Michigan
$65,490
$61,780
Oregon
$64,870
$75,130
Utah
$58,620
$59,780
Colorado
$56,950
$77,500

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Acupuncturists or Airfield Operations Specialists?

Acupuncturists earn more nationally. The median is $76,040 for Acupuncturists versus $56,850 for Airfield Operations Specialists, a difference of $19K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Acupuncturists or Airfield Operations Specialists?

Acupuncturists has the better 10-year outlook at 6.8% projected growth, compared to 4.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.

Which requires more education, Acupuncturists or Airfield Operations Specialists?

Acupuncturists typically requires master's degree. Airfield Operations Specialists requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Acupuncturists get paid the most?

Tennessee is the top-paying state for Acupuncturists at $141,430/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Acupuncturists vs. Airfield Operations Specialists pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Acupuncturists earn $125,260 vs. $42,480 for Airfield Operations Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Acupuncturists salary breakdownView →Full Airfield Operations Specialists salary breakdownView →Best cities for Acupuncturists by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Airfield Operations Specialists by take-home payExplore →How to become a acupuncturistsGuide →How to become a airfield operations specialistsGuide →