National Salary Overview
VS
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median Salary
$81,600
Average (Mean)
$90,254
Employed Nationwide
32,600
Air Traffic Controllers earns $42,122 more (51.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$123,722
$81,600
Average (Mean) Salary
$122,655
$90,254
Total Employment
21,630
32,600
States with Higher Pay
27
4
Salary by State: Air Traffic Controllers vs Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Showing 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. Air Traffic Controllers pays more in 27 states; Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 4.
| State | Air Traffic Controllers | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $108,100 | $99,590 | +$8,510 | ||
| Alaska | $120,040 | $83,200 | +$36,840 | ||
| Arizona | $122,780 | $57,200 | +$65,580 | ||
| California | $160,490 | $70,780 | +$89,710 | ||
| Connecticut | $107,870 | $83,200 | +$24,670 | ||
| District of Columbia | $34,130 | $65,300 | $-31,170 | ||
| Florida | $137,240 | $67,640 | +$69,600 | ||
| Georgia | $166,380 | $73,100 | +$93,280 | ||
| Hawaii | $144,210 | $71,820 | +$72,390 | ||
| Illinois | $171,810 | $82,050 | +$89,760 | ||
| Indiana | $150,780 | $82,060 | +$68,720 | ||
| Iowa | $89,520 | $79,830 | +$9,690 | ||
| Louisiana | $93,870 | $103,380 | $-9,510 | ||
| Maryland | $105,310 | $84,690 | +$20,620 | ||
| Massachusetts | $96,370 | $61,830 | +$34,540 | ||
| Michigan | $106,390 | $70,700 | +$35,690 | ||
| Minnesota | $166,860 | $93,630 | +$73,230 | ||
| Mississippi | $87,730 | $160,550 | $-72,820 | ||
| Missouri | $109,660 | $65,500 | +$44,160 | ||
| New Hampshire | $176,260 | $63,700 | +$112,560 | ||
| New Jersey | $122,620 | $104,410 | +$18,210 | ||
| New York | $135,590 | $81,800 | +$53,790 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $121,310 | $81,550 | +$39,760 | ||
| Rhode Island | $118,960 | $60,240 | +$58,720 | ||
| South Carolina | $101,670 | $69,710 | +$31,960 | ||
| Tennessee | $146,060 | $107,910 | +$38,150 | ||
| Texas | $159,100 | $116,960 | +$42,140 | ||
| Virginia | $177,110 | $78,710 | +$98,400 | ||
| Washington | $155,210 | $102,750 | +$52,460 | ||
| West Virginia | $82,740 | $98,590 | $-15,850 | ||
| Wisconsin | $100,090 | $63,250 | +$36,840 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Air Traffic Controllers or Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
On average across all states, a Air Traffic Controllers earns more than a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels. The national median salary difference is $42,122 (51.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Air Traffic Controllers earn more than a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
A Air Traffic Controllers earns a higher median salary than a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in 27 out of 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 4 states.
What is the median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers vs Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
The national median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers is $123,722 per year, compared to $81,600 for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Air Traffic Controllers or Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
There are more people employed as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels. BLS reports approximately 21,630 Air Traffic Controllers positions and 32,600 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Air Traffic Controllers or Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
Both Air Traffic Controllers and Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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