National Salary Overview
VS
Air Traffic Controllers earns $46,315 more (59.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$123,722
$77,407
Average (Mean) Salary
$122,655
$75,493
Total Employment
21,630
25,820
States with Higher Pay
31
0
Salary by State: Air Traffic Controllers vs Locomotive Engineers
Showing 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. Air Traffic Controllers pays more in 31 states; Locomotive Engineers pays more in 0.
| State | Air Traffic Controllers | Locomotive Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $108,100 | $69,250 | +$38,850 | ||
| Arizona | $122,780 | $77,490 | +$45,290 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,440 | $73,830 | +$17,610 | ||
| California | $160,490 | $74,740 | +$85,750 | ||
| Colorado | $168,580 | $77,140 | +$91,440 | ||
| Connecticut | $107,870 | $92,670 | +$15,200 | ||
| Florida | $137,240 | $78,950 | +$58,290 | ||
| Georgia | $166,380 | $75,480 | +$90,900 | ||
| Indiana | $150,780 | $89,230 | +$61,550 | ||
| Iowa | $89,520 | $85,450 | +$4,070 | ||
| Kansas | $147,180 | $73,510 | +$73,670 | ||
| Kentucky | $121,970 | $77,530 | +$44,440 | ||
| Louisiana | $93,870 | $73,850 | +$20,020 | ||
| Maryland | $105,310 | $81,070 | +$24,240 | ||
| Michigan | $106,390 | $73,480 | +$32,910 | ||
| Minnesota | $166,860 | $76,760 | +$90,100 | ||
| Mississippi | $87,730 | $62,830 | +$24,900 | ||
| Missouri | $109,660 | $73,730 | +$35,930 | ||
| Montana | $92,980 | $78,430 | +$14,550 | ||
| New Jersey | $122,620 | $81,550 | +$41,070 | ||
| New York | $135,590 | $103,000 | +$32,590 | ||
| Ohio | $151,170 | $78,480 | +$72,690 | ||
| Oklahoma | $115,170 | $84,360 | +$30,810 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $121,310 | $76,920 | +$44,390 | ||
| South Dakota | $92,830 | $64,590 | +$28,240 | ||
| Tennessee | $146,060 | $72,340 | +$73,720 | ||
| Texas | $159,100 | $73,890 | +$85,210 | ||
| Washington | $155,210 | $74,360 | +$80,850 | ||
| West Virginia | $82,740 | $68,200 | +$14,540 | ||
| Wisconsin | $100,090 | $78,620 | +$21,470 | ||
| Wyoming | $80,100 | $73,800 | +$6,300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Air Traffic Controllers or Locomotive Engineers?
On average across all states, a Air Traffic Controllers earns more than a Locomotive Engineers. The national median salary difference is $46,315 (59.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers vs Locomotive Engineers?
The national median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers is $123,722 per year, compared to $77,407 for a Locomotive Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Air Traffic Controllers or Locomotive Engineers?
There are more people employed as Locomotive Engineers. BLS reports approximately 21,630 Air Traffic Controllers positions and 25,820 Locomotive Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Air Traffic Controllers or Locomotive Engineers?
Both Air Traffic Controllers and Locomotive Engineers 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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