National Salary Overview
VS
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median Salary
$83,343
Average (Mean)
$91,347
Employed Nationwide
35,570
Air Traffic Controllers earns $50,101 more (60.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$133,445
$83,343
Average (Mean) Salary
$132,408
$91,347
Total Employment
20,850
35,570
States with Higher Pay
28
4
Salary by State: Air Traffic Controllers vs Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Showing 32 states where both occupations have BLS data. Air Traffic Controllers pays more in 28 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 | $114,960 | $68,920 | +$46,040 | ||
| Alaska | $123,950 | $88,230 | +$35,720 | ||
| Arizona | $136,800 | $58,700 | +$78,100 | ||
| California | $160,080 | $110,090 | +$49,990 | ||
| Connecticut | $140,940 | $75,810 | +$65,130 | ||
| Florida | $147,530 | $76,040 | +$71,490 | ||
| Georgia | $178,420 | $77,090 | +$101,330 | ||
| Hawaii | $158,700 | $72,960 | +$85,740 | ||
| Illinois | $181,560 | $69,600 | +$111,960 | ||
| Indiana | $158,810 | $92,000 | +$66,810 | ||
| Iowa | $90,790 | $97,700 | $-6,910 | ||
| Louisiana | $99,810 | $117,160 | $-17,350 | ||
| Maine | $107,270 | $72,770 | +$34,500 | ||
| Maryland | $131,290 | $138,950 | $-7,660 | ||
| Massachusetts | $125,060 | $77,950 | +$47,110 | ||
| Michigan | $118,930 | $53,590 | +$65,340 | ||
| Minnesota | $176,840 | $80,920 | +$95,920 | ||
| Mississippi | $88,110 | $104,220 | $-16,110 | ||
| Missouri | $122,200 | $83,670 | +$38,530 | ||
| New Jersey | $132,230 | $90,310 | +$41,920 | ||
| New York | $144,960 | $104,800 | +$40,160 | ||
| North Carolina | $129,230 | $69,170 | +$60,060 | ||
| Oklahoma | $123,220 | $79,110 | +$44,110 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $132,350 | $61,420 | +$70,930 | ||
| Rhode Island | $126,300 | $76,790 | +$49,510 | ||
| South Carolina | $112,030 | $57,660 | +$54,370 | ||
| Tennessee | $157,330 | $132,710 | +$24,620 | ||
| Texas | $170,080 | $111,390 | +$58,690 | ||
| Utah | $158,310 | $50,010 | +$108,300 | ||
| Vermont | $109,140 | $64,020 | +$45,120 | ||
| Virginia | $191,820 | $87,610 | +$104,210 | ||
| Washington | $162,570 | $103,730 | +$58,840 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Air Traffic Controllers vs Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $50,101 (60.1%) based on 2025 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 28 out of 32 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 $133,445 per year, compared to $83,343 for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels, according to 2025 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 20,850 Air Traffic Controllers positions and 35,570 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions nationwide (2025).
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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