Aerospace Engineers vs. Air Traffic Controllers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllers out-earn Aerospace Engineers by $13K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aerospace Engineers land at $134,960 and Air Traffic Controllers at $148,080. The education gap is real: aerospace engineer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while air traffic controller programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Aerospace Engineers is Minnesota ($159,060); for Air Traffic Controllers it's Virginia ($191,820).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aerospace Engineers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aerospace Engineers or Air Traffic Controllers?
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally. The median is $134,960 for Aerospace Engineers versus $148,080 for Air Traffic Controllers, a difference of $13K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aerospace Engineers or Air Traffic Controllers?
Aerospace Engineers has the better 10-year outlook at 6.1% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Aerospace Engineers or Air Traffic Controllers?
Aerospace Engineers 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 Engineers get paid the most?
Minnesota is the top-paying state for Aerospace Engineers at $159,060/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aerospace Engineers vs. Air Traffic Controllers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Minnesota, Aerospace Engineers earn $159,060 vs. $176,840 for Air Traffic Controllers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.