Air Traffic Controllers vs. Animal Caretakers: Who Earns More?
Air Traffic Controllers out-earn Animal Caretakers by $113K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Air Traffic Controllers land at $148,080 and Animal Caretakers at $35,360. The education gap is real: air traffic controller programs typically require no formal educational credential, while animal caretaker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Air Traffic Controllers is Virginia ($191,820); for Animal Caretakers it's District of Columbia ($44,210).
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 Animal Caretakers?
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally. The median is $148,080 for Air Traffic Controllers versus $35,360 for Animal Caretakers, a difference of $113K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Air Traffic Controllers or Animal Caretakers?
Animal Caretakers has the better 10-year outlook at 12.1% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Air Traffic Controllers or Animal Caretakers?
Air Traffic Controllers typically requires no formal educational credential. Animal Caretakers 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. Animal Caretakers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Colorado, Air Traffic Controllers earn $177,380 vs. $37,430 for Animal Caretakers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.