Aerospace Engineers vs. Air Traffic Controllers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllerss out-earn Aerospace Engineerss by $10K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Aerospace Engineerss land at $134,830 and Air Traffic Controllerss at $144,580. 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 Engineerss is District of Columbia ($175,350); for Air Traffic Controllerss it's Virginia ($185,890).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aerospace Engineers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aerospace Engineerss or Air Traffic Controllerss?
Air Traffic Controllerss earn more nationally. The median is $134,830 for Aerospace Engineerss versus $144,580 for Air Traffic Controllerss, a difference of $10K. Per BLS OEWS May 2024.
Which has better job growth, Aerospace Engineers 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 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 Engineerss get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Aerospace Engineerss at $175,350/year, per BLS OEWS May 2024. 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 Washington, Aerospace Engineerss earn $158,600 vs. $164,070 for Air Traffic Controllerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.