National Salary Overview
VS
Air Traffic Controllers earns $28,310 more (26.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$133,445
$105,134
Average (Mean) Salary
$132,408
$106,570
Total Employment
20,850
7,760
States with Higher Pay
21
2
Salary by State: Air Traffic Controllers vs Ship Engineers
Showing 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. Air Traffic Controllers pays more in 21 states; Ship Engineers pays more in 2.
| State | Air Traffic Controllers | Ship Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $114,960 | $96,030 | +$18,930 | ||
| Alaska | $123,950 | $88,190 | +$35,760 | ||
| California | $160,080 | $97,660 | +$62,420 | ||
| Connecticut | $140,940 | $119,010 | +$21,930 | ||
| Florida | $147,530 | $130,480 | +$17,050 | ||
| Hawaii | $158,700 | $131,640 | +$27,060 | ||
| Illinois | $181,560 | $115,310 | +$66,250 | ||
| Indiana | $158,810 | $122,190 | +$36,620 | ||
| Kentucky | $127,800 | $120,550 | +$7,250 | ||
| Louisiana | $99,810 | $103,430 | $-3,620 | ||
| Maine | $107,270 | $77,160 | +$30,110 | ||
| Massachusetts | $125,060 | $122,720 | +$2,340 | ||
| Michigan | $118,930 | $79,170 | +$39,760 | ||
| Mississippi | $88,110 | $98,380 | $-10,270 | ||
| New Jersey | $132,230 | $118,310 | +$13,920 | ||
| New York | $144,960 | $133,640 | +$11,320 | ||
| North Carolina | $129,230 | $65,010 | +$64,220 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $132,350 | $80,210 | +$52,140 | ||
| Rhode Island | $126,300 | $119,330 | +$6,970 | ||
| South Carolina | $112,030 | $97,890 | +$14,140 | ||
| Texas | $170,080 | $127,810 | +$42,270 | ||
| Virginia | $191,820 | $82,370 | +$109,450 | ||
| Washington | $162,570 | $107,940 | +$54,630 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Air Traffic Controllers vs Ship Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Air Traffic Controllers or Ship Engineers?
On average across all states, a Air Traffic Controllers earns more than a Ship Engineers. The national median salary difference is $28,310 (26.9%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Air Traffic Controllers earn more than a Ship Engineers?
A Air Traffic Controllers earns a higher median salary than a Ship Engineers in 21 out of 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Ship Engineers pays more in 2 states.
What is the median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers vs Ship Engineers?
The national median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers is $133,445 per year, compared to $105,134 for a Ship Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Air Traffic Controllers or Ship Engineers?
There are more people employed as Air Traffic Controllers. BLS reports approximately 20,850 Air Traffic Controllers positions and 7,760 Ship Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Air Traffic Controllers or Ship Engineers?
Both Air Traffic Controllers and Ship 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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