Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders vs. Air Traffic Controllers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllers out-earn Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders by $102K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders land at $46,460 and Air Traffic Controllers at $148,080. The education gap is real: adhesive bonding machine operators and tender programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while air traffic controller programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders is Utah ($65,500); for Air Traffic Controllers it's Virginia ($191,820).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders or Air Traffic Controllers?
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally. The median is $46,460 for Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders versus $148,080 for Air Traffic Controllers, a difference of $102K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders or Air Traffic Controllers?
Air Traffic Controllers has the better 10-year outlook at 1.2% projected growth, compared to 1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders or Air Traffic Controllers?
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Air Traffic Controllers requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders get paid the most?
Utah is the top-paying state for Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders at $65,500/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders vs. Air Traffic Controllers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Utah, Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders earn $65,500 vs. $158,310 for Air Traffic Controllers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.