Agricultural Equipment Operators vs. Air Traffic Controllers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllers out-earn Agricultural Equipment Operators by $106K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Agricultural Equipment Operators land at $41,730 and Air Traffic Controllers at $148,080. The education gap is real: agricultural equipment operator programs typically require no formal educational credential, while air traffic controller programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Agricultural Equipment Operators is Montana ($58,770); for Air Traffic Controllers it's Virginia ($191,820).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Agricultural Equipment Operators median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Agricultural Equipment Operators or Air Traffic Controllers?
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally. The median is $41,730 for Agricultural Equipment Operators versus $148,080 for Air Traffic Controllers, a difference of $106K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Agricultural Equipment Operators or Air Traffic Controllers?
Agricultural Equipment Operators has the better 10-year outlook at 7.7% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Agricultural Equipment Operators or Air Traffic Controllers?
Agricultural Equipment Operators typically requires no formal educational credential. Air Traffic Controllers requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Agricultural Equipment Operators get paid the most?
Montana is the top-paying state for Agricultural Equipment Operators at $58,770/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Agricultural Equipment Operators vs. Air Traffic Controllers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Agricultural Equipment Operators earn $50,020 vs. $144,960 for Air Traffic Controllers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.