Administrative Services Managers vs. Air Traffic Controllers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllers out-earn Administrative Services Managers by $34K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Administrative Services Managers land at $114,130 and Air Traffic Controllers at $148,080. The education gap is real: administrative services manager programs typically require bachelor's degree, while air traffic controller programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Administrative Services Managers is Colorado ($157,000); for Air Traffic Controllers it's Virginia ($191,820).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Administrative Services Managers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Administrative Services Managers or Air Traffic Controllers?
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally. The median is $114,130 for Administrative Services Managers versus $148,080 for Air Traffic Controllers, a difference of $34K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Administrative Services Managers or Air Traffic Controllers?
Administrative Services Managers has the better 10-year outlook at 4.6% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Administrative Services Managers or Air Traffic Controllers?
Administrative Services Managers typically requires bachelor's degree. Air Traffic Controllers requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Administrative Services Managers get paid the most?
Colorado is the top-paying state for Administrative Services Managers at $157,000/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Administrative Services Managers vs. Air Traffic Controllers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Colorado, Administrative Services Managers earn $157,000 vs. $177,380 for Air Traffic Controllers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.