National Salary Overview
VS
Air Traffic Controllers earns $14,660 more (13.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$123,722
$109,061
Average (Mean) Salary
$122,655
$125,831
Total Employment
21,630
50,950
States with Higher Pay
29
12
Salary by State: Air Traffic Controllers vs Commercial Pilots
Showing 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. Air Traffic Controllers pays more in 29 states; Commercial Pilots pays more in 12.
| State | Air Traffic Controllers | Commercial Pilots | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $108,100 | $106,240 | +$1,860 | ||
| Alaska | $120,040 | $118,540 | +$1,500 | ||
| Arizona | $122,780 | $95,630 | +$27,150 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,440 | $81,090 | +$10,350 | ||
| California | $160,490 | $107,370 | +$53,120 | ||
| Colorado | $168,580 | $107,490 | +$61,090 | ||
| Connecticut | $107,870 | $214,670 | $-106,800 | ||
| Florida | $137,240 | $128,600 | +$8,640 | ||
| Georgia | $166,380 | $134,670 | +$31,710 | ||
| Hawaii | $144,210 | $82,190 | +$62,020 | ||
| Idaho | $109,820 | $98,970 | +$10,850 | ||
| Indiana | $150,780 | $95,710 | +$55,070 | ||
| Iowa | $89,520 | $100,760 | $-11,240 | ||
| Kansas | $147,180 | $108,560 | +$38,620 | ||
| Kentucky | $121,970 | $102,480 | +$19,490 | ||
| Louisiana | $93,870 | $127,180 | $-33,310 | ||
| Maryland | $105,310 | $126,600 | $-21,290 | ||
| Massachusetts | $96,370 | $83,870 | +$12,500 | ||
| Michigan | $106,390 | $110,290 | $-3,900 | ||
| Minnesota | $166,860 | $113,080 | +$53,780 | ||
| Mississippi | $87,730 | $107,080 | $-19,350 | ||
| Missouri | $109,660 | $128,640 | $-18,980 | ||
| Montana | $92,980 | $92,430 | +$550 | ||
| Nevada | $123,280 | $95,940 | +$27,340 | ||
| New Hampshire | $176,260 | $86,310 | +$89,950 | ||
| New Mexico | $136,510 | $89,900 | +$46,610 | ||
| New York | $135,590 | $162,450 | $-26,860 | ||
| North Dakota | $113,880 | $107,910 | +$5,970 | ||
| Ohio | $151,170 | $98,800 | +$52,370 | ||
| Oklahoma | $115,170 | $96,340 | +$18,830 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $121,310 | $110,490 | +$10,820 | ||
| Rhode Island | $118,960 | $116,280 | +$2,680 | ||
| South Carolina | $101,670 | $105,450 | $-3,780 | ||
| South Dakota | $92,830 | $66,500 | +$26,330 | ||
| Tennessee | $146,060 | $98,210 | +$47,850 | ||
| Texas | $159,100 | $168,240 | $-9,140 | ||
| Utah | $146,350 | $105,100 | +$41,250 | ||
| Virginia | $177,110 | $122,450 | +$54,660 | ||
| Washington | $155,210 | $91,860 | +$63,350 | ||
| West Virginia | $82,740 | $102,700 | $-19,960 | ||
| Wisconsin | $100,090 | $104,240 | $-4,150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Air Traffic Controllers or Commercial Pilots?
On average across all states, a Air Traffic Controllers earns more than a Commercial Pilots. The national median salary difference is $14,660 (13.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Air Traffic Controllers earn more than a Commercial Pilots?
A Air Traffic Controllers earns a higher median salary than a Commercial Pilots in 29 out of 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Commercial Pilots pays more in 12 states.
What is the median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers vs Commercial Pilots?
The national median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers is $123,722 per year, compared to $109,061 for a Commercial Pilots, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Air Traffic Controllers or Commercial Pilots?
There are more people employed as Commercial Pilots. BLS reports approximately 21,630 Air Traffic Controllers positions and 50,950 Commercial Pilots positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Air Traffic Controllers or Commercial Pilots?
Both Air Traffic Controllers and Commercial Pilots 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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