Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians vs. Air Traffic Controllers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllerss out-earn Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss by $65K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss land at $79,830 and Air Traffic Controllerss at $144,580. 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 Technicianss is Washington ($105,910); for Air Traffic Controllerss it's Virginia ($185,890).
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 2024. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss or Air Traffic Controllerss?
Air Traffic Controllerss earn more nationally. The median is $79,830 for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss versus $144,580 for Air Traffic Controllerss, a difference of $65K. Per BLS OEWS May 2024.
Which has better job growth, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians or Air Traffic Controllers?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Technicianss get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss at $105,910/year, per BLS OEWS May 2024. 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 Technicianss earn $105,910 vs. $164,070 for Air Traffic Controllerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.