Air Traffic Controllers vs. Airfield Operations Specialists: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllers out-earn Airfield Operations Specialists by $91K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Air Traffic Controllers land at $148,080 and Airfield Operations Specialists at $56,850. 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 Controllers is Virginia ($191,820); for Airfield Operations Specialists it's Kentucky ($123,290).
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 Airfield Operations Specialists?
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally. The median is $148,080 for Air Traffic Controllers versus $56,850 for Airfield Operations Specialists, a difference of $91K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Air Traffic Controllers or Airfield Operations Specialists?
Airfield Operations Specialists has the better 10-year outlook at 4.2% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 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. Airfield Operations Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Virginia, Air Traffic Controllers earn $191,820 vs. $72,250 for Airfield Operations Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.