Air Traffic Controllers vs. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllers out-earn Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians by $68K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Air Traffic Controllers land at $148,080 and Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians at $79,870. The education gap is real: air traffic controller programs typically require no formal educational credential, while aircraft mechanics and service technician programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Air Traffic Controllers is Virginia ($191,820); for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians it's New Jersey ($105,370).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Air Traffic Controllers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Air Traffic Controllers or Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally. The median is $148,080 for Air Traffic Controllers versus $79,870 for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, a difference of $68K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Air Traffic Controllers or Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians has the better 10-year outlook at 4% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Air Traffic Controllers or Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Air Traffic Controllers typically requires no formal educational credential. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Air Traffic Controllers get paid the most?
Virginia is the top-paying state for Air Traffic Controllers at $191,820/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Air Traffic Controllers vs. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Virginia, Air Traffic Controllers earn $191,820 vs. $82,200 for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.