Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes vs. Air Traffic Controllers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllers out-earn Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes by $65K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes land at $82,890 and Air Traffic Controllers at $148,080. The education gap is real: agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athlete programs typically require bachelor's degree, while air traffic controller programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes is Florida ($98,200); for Air Traffic Controllers it's Virginia ($191,820).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes or Air Traffic Controllers?
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally. The median is $82,890 for Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes versus $148,080 for Air Traffic Controllers, a difference of $65K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes or Air Traffic Controllers?
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes or Air Traffic Controllers?
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes typically requires bachelor's degree. Air Traffic Controllers requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes get paid the most?
Florida is the top-paying state for Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes at $98,200/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes vs. Air Traffic Controllers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Florida, Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes earn $98,200 vs. $147,530 for Air Traffic Controllers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.