Agricultural Equipment Operators vs. Air Traffic Controllers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllerss out-earn Agricultural Equipment Operatorss by $102K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Agricultural Equipment Operatorss land at $42,580 and Air Traffic Controllerss at $144,580. 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 Operatorss is Montana ($53,900); for Air Traffic Controllerss it's Virginia ($185,890).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Agricultural Equipment Operators median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Agricultural Equipment Operatorss or Air Traffic Controllerss?
Air Traffic Controllerss earn more nationally. The median is $42,580 for Agricultural Equipment Operatorss versus $144,580 for Air Traffic Controllerss, a difference of $102K. Per BLS OEWS May 2024.
Which has better job growth, Agricultural Equipment Operators 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, 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 Operatorss get paid the most?
Montana is the top-paying state for Agricultural Equipment Operatorss at $53,900/year, per BLS OEWS May 2024. 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 Operatorss earn $51,100 vs. $142,190 for Air Traffic Controllerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.