Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians vs. Air Traffic Controllers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllers out-earn Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians by $65K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians land at $82,890 and Air Traffic Controllers at $148,080. The education gap is real: aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while air traffic controller programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians is Washington ($125,160); for Air Traffic Controllers it's Virginia ($191,820).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians or Air Traffic Controllers?
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally. The median is $82,890 for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians versus $148,080 for Air Traffic Controllers, a difference of $65K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians or Air Traffic Controllers?
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians has the better 10-year outlook at 8.1% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians or Air Traffic Controllers?
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians typically requires bachelor's degree. Air Traffic Controllers requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians at $125,160/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians vs. Air Traffic Controllers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians earn $125,160 vs. $162,570 for Air Traffic Controllers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.