Agricultural Inspectors vs. Air Traffic Controllers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllers out-earn Agricultural Inspectors by $98K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Agricultural Inspectors land at $49,940 and Air Traffic Controllers at $148,080. The education gap is real: agricultural inspector programs typically require no formal educational credential, while air traffic controller programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Agricultural Inspectors is Minnesota ($77,150); for Air Traffic Controllers it's Virginia ($191,820).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Agricultural Inspectors median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Agricultural Inspectors or Air Traffic Controllers?
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally. The median is $49,940 for Agricultural Inspectors versus $148,080 for Air Traffic Controllers, a difference of $98K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Agricultural Inspectors or Air Traffic Controllers?
Agricultural Inspectors has the better 10-year outlook at 1.5% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Agricultural Inspectors or Air Traffic Controllers?
Agricultural Inspectors 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 Inspectors get paid the most?
Minnesota is the top-paying state for Agricultural Inspectors at $77,150/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Agricultural Inspectors vs. Air Traffic Controllers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Minnesota, Agricultural Inspectors earn $77,150 vs. $176,840 for Air Traffic Controllers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.