Air Traffic Controllers vs. Airfield Operations Specialists: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllerss out-earn Airfield Operations Specialistss by $88K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Air Traffic Controllerss land at $144,580 and Airfield Operations Specialistss at $56,750. The education gap is real: air traffic controller programs typically require no formal educational credential, while airfield operations specialist programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Air Traffic Controllerss is Virginia ($185,890); for Airfield Operations Specialistss it's Washington ($82,540).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Air Traffic Controllers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Air Traffic Controllerss or Airfield Operations Specialistss?
Air Traffic Controllerss earn more nationally. The median is $144,580 for Air Traffic Controllerss versus $56,750 for Airfield Operations Specialistss, a difference of $88K. Per BLS OEWS May 2024.
Which has better job growth, Air Traffic Controllers or Airfield Operations Specialists?
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, Air Traffic Controllers or Airfield Operations Specialists?
Air Traffic Controllers typically requires no formal educational credential. Airfield Operations Specialists requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Air Traffic Controllerss get paid the most?
Virginia is the top-paying state for Air Traffic Controllerss at $185,890/year, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Air Traffic Controllers vs. Airfield Operations Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Texas, Air Traffic Controllerss earn $167,710 vs. $77,460 for Airfield Operations Specialistss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.