National Salary Overview
VS
Air Traffic Controllers earns $60,744 more (83.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$133,445
$72,700
Average (Mean) Salary
$132,408
$74,668
Total Employment
20,850
41,870
States with Higher Pay
42
0
Salary by State: Air Traffic Controllers vs Crane and Tower Operators
Showing 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. Air Traffic Controllers pays more in 42 states; Crane and Tower Operators pays more in 0.
| State | Air Traffic Controllers | Crane and Tower Operators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $114,960 | $60,790 | +$54,170 | ||
| Alaska | $123,950 | $92,490 | +$31,460 | ||
| Arizona | $136,800 | $67,350 | +$69,450 | ||
| Arkansas | $109,760 | $41,600 | +$68,160 | ||
| California | $160,080 | $79,570 | +$80,510 | ||
| Colorado | $177,380 | $77,120 | +$100,260 | ||
| Connecticut | $140,940 | $81,360 | +$59,580 | ||
| Florida | $147,530 | $71,560 | +$75,970 | ||
| Georgia | $178,420 | $62,050 | +$116,370 | ||
| Hawaii | $158,700 | $124,260 | +$34,440 | ||
| Illinois | $181,560 | $61,820 | +$119,740 | ||
| Indiana | $158,810 | $52,950 | +$105,860 | ||
| Iowa | $90,790 | $67,600 | +$23,190 | ||
| Kansas | $159,700 | $77,100 | +$82,600 | ||
| Kentucky | $127,800 | $62,000 | +$65,800 | ||
| Louisiana | $99,810 | $61,170 | +$38,640 | ||
| Maine | $107,270 | $65,690 | +$41,580 | ||
| Maryland | $131,290 | $87,950 | +$43,340 | ||
| Massachusetts | $125,060 | $98,150 | +$26,910 | ||
| Michigan | $118,930 | $59,740 | +$59,190 | ||
| Minnesota | $176,840 | $80,930 | +$95,910 | ||
| Mississippi | $88,110 | $61,260 | +$26,850 | ||
| Missouri | $122,200 | $58,450 | +$63,750 | ||
| Montana | $101,380 | $82,800 | +$18,580 | ||
| Nebraska | $111,710 | $60,720 | +$50,990 | ||
| Nevada | $140,920 | $115,840 | +$25,080 | ||
| New Jersey | $132,230 | $100,640 | +$31,590 | ||
| New Mexico | $148,550 | $62,400 | +$86,150 | ||
| New York | $144,960 | $85,850 | +$59,110 | ||
| North Carolina | $129,230 | $64,480 | +$64,750 | ||
| North Dakota | $107,990 | $82,890 | +$25,100 | ||
| Oklahoma | $123,220 | $63,590 | +$59,630 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $132,350 | $65,190 | +$67,160 | ||
| Rhode Island | $126,300 | $104,340 | +$21,960 | ||
| South Carolina | $112,030 | $64,120 | +$47,910 | ||
| Tennessee | $157,330 | $59,410 | +$97,920 | ||
| Texas | $170,080 | $73,280 | +$96,800 | ||
| Utah | $158,310 | $67,410 | +$90,900 | ||
| Vermont | $109,140 | $72,760 | +$36,380 | ||
| Virginia | $191,820 | $66,600 | +$125,220 | ||
| Washington | $162,570 | $101,110 | +$61,460 | ||
| Wyoming | $93,580 | $77,970 | +$15,610 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Air Traffic Controllers vs Crane and Tower Operators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Air Traffic Controllers or Crane and Tower Operators?
On average across all states, a Air Traffic Controllers earns more than a Crane and Tower Operators. The national median salary difference is $60,744 (83.6%) based on 2025 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers vs Crane and Tower Operators?
The national median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers is $133,445 per year, compared to $72,700 for a Crane and Tower Operators, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Air Traffic Controllers or Crane and Tower Operators?
There are more people employed as Crane and Tower Operators. BLS reports approximately 20,850 Air Traffic Controllers positions and 41,870 Crane and Tower Operators positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Air Traffic Controllers or Crane and Tower Operators?
Both Air Traffic Controllers and Crane and Tower Operators 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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