Air Traffic Controllers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Air Traffic Controllers

Median Salary
$123,722
Average (Mean)
$122,655
Employed Nationwide
21,630
VS

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Median Salary
$68,764
Average (Mean)
$69,815
Employed Nationwide
26,870
Air Traffic Controllers earns $54,958 more (79.9%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $123,722 $68,764
Average (Mean) Salary $122,655 $69,815
Total Employment 21,630 26,870
States with Higher Pay 31 0

Salary by State: Air Traffic Controllers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Showing 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. Air Traffic Controllers pays more in 31 states; Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 0.

State Air Traffic Controllers Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Difference
Arizona $122,780
$64,710
+$58,070
Arkansas $91,440
$63,340
+$28,100
California $160,490
$64,760
+$95,730
Colorado $168,580
$80,500
+$88,080
Florida $137,240
$78,720
+$58,520
Idaho $109,820
$67,740
+$42,080
Illinois $171,810
$72,350
+$99,460
Indiana $150,780
$80,550
+$70,230
Iowa $89,520
$73,080
+$16,440
Kansas $147,180
$63,510
+$83,670
Kentucky $121,970
$49,530
+$72,440
Louisiana $93,870
$64,040
+$29,830
Maryland $105,310
$76,200
+$29,110
Massachusetts $96,370
$84,010
+$12,360
Michigan $106,390
$62,590
+$43,800
Minnesota $166,860
$71,830
+$95,030
Mississippi $87,730
$57,760
+$29,970
Missouri $109,660
$63,570
+$46,090
Montana $92,980
$72,220
+$20,760
New York $135,590
$74,820
+$60,770
Ohio $151,170
$61,160
+$90,010
Oklahoma $115,170
$72,460
+$42,710
Pennsylvania $121,310
$75,800
+$45,510
South Carolina $101,670
$78,500
+$23,170
South Dakota $92,830
$59,150
+$33,680
Tennessee $146,060
$58,230
+$87,830
Texas $159,100
$64,770
+$94,330
Washington $155,210
$64,780
+$90,430
West Virginia $82,740
$59,680
+$23,060
Wisconsin $100,090
$64,870
+$35,220
Wyoming $80,100
$64,000
+$16,100

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Air Traffic Controllers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
On average across all states, a Air Traffic Controllers earns more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. The national median salary difference is $54,958 (79.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
The national median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers is $123,722 per year, compared to $68,764 for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Air Traffic Controllers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
There are more people employed as Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. BLS reports approximately 21,630 Air Traffic Controllers positions and 26,870 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Air Traffic Controllers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
Both Air Traffic Controllers and Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters 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.