Agricultural Technicians vs. Air Traffic Controllers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllers out-earn Agricultural Technicians by $98K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Agricultural Technicians land at $49,630 and Air Traffic Controllers at $148,080. The education gap is real: agricultural technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while air traffic controller programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Agricultural Technicians is Iowa ($64,070); for Air Traffic Controllers it's Virginia ($191,820).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Agricultural Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Agricultural Technicians or Air Traffic Controllers?
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally. The median is $49,630 for Agricultural Technicians versus $148,080 for Air Traffic Controllers, a difference of $98K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Agricultural Technicians or Air Traffic Controllers?
Agricultural Technicians has the better 10-year outlook at 4.3% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Agricultural Technicians or Air Traffic Controllers?
Agricultural Technicians typically requires bachelor's degree. Air Traffic Controllers requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Agricultural Technicians get paid the most?
Iowa is the top-paying state for Agricultural Technicians at $64,070/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Agricultural Technicians vs. Air Traffic Controllers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Agricultural Technicians earn $60,320 vs. $160,080 for Air Traffic Controllers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.