National Salary Overview
VS
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Salary
$73,115
Average (Mean)
$75,554
Employed Nationwide
35,760
Air Traffic Controllers earns $60,330 more (82.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$133,445
$73,115
Average (Mean) Salary
$132,408
$75,554
Total Employment
20,850
35,760
States with Higher Pay
27
0
Salary by State: Air Traffic Controllers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Showing 27 states where both occupations have BLS data. Air Traffic Controllers pays more in 27 states; Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 0.
| State | Air Traffic Controllers | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $136,800 | $78,080 | +$58,720 | ||
| Arkansas | $109,760 | $67,710 | +$42,050 | ||
| California | $160,080 | $69,950 | +$90,130 | ||
| Colorado | $177,380 | $77,550 | +$99,830 | ||
| Florida | $147,530 | $79,600 | +$67,930 | ||
| Georgia | $178,420 | $75,810 | +$102,610 | ||
| Illinois | $181,560 | $79,820 | +$101,740 | ||
| Indiana | $158,810 | $81,260 | +$77,550 | ||
| Kansas | $159,700 | $68,730 | +$90,970 | ||
| Kentucky | $127,800 | $52,380 | +$75,420 | ||
| Louisiana | $99,810 | $62,170 | +$37,640 | ||
| Maryland | $131,290 | $83,390 | +$47,900 | ||
| Michigan | $118,930 | $78,960 | +$39,970 | ||
| Minnesota | $176,840 | $78,930 | +$97,910 | ||
| Mississippi | $88,110 | $78,010 | +$10,100 | ||
| Missouri | $122,200 | $68,030 | +$54,170 | ||
| New Mexico | $148,550 | $77,890 | +$70,660 | ||
| New York | $144,960 | $80,000 | +$64,960 | ||
| North Carolina | $129,230 | $58,930 | +$70,300 | ||
| Oklahoma | $123,220 | $102,260 | +$20,960 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $132,350 | $83,610 | +$48,740 | ||
| South Carolina | $112,030 | $73,660 | +$38,370 | ||
| Tennessee | $157,330 | $71,740 | +$85,590 | ||
| Texas | $170,080 | $68,980 | +$101,100 | ||
| Virginia | $191,820 | $79,900 | +$111,920 | ||
| Washington | $162,570 | $79,040 | +$83,530 | ||
| Wyoming | $93,580 | $68,430 | +$25,150 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Air Traffic Controllers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $60,330 (82.5%) based on 2025 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 $133,445 per year, compared to $73,115 for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, according to 2025 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 20,850 Air Traffic Controllers positions and 35,760 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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