Air Traffic Controllers vs Transportation Inspectors: 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

Transportation Inspectors

Median Salary
$77,996
Average (Mean)
$82,685
Employed Nationwide
19,070
Air Traffic Controllers earns $45,726 more (58.6%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $123,722 $77,996
Average (Mean) Salary $122,655 $82,685
Total Employment 21,630 19,070
States with Higher Pay 39 2

Salary by State: Air Traffic Controllers vs Transportation Inspectors

Showing 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. Air Traffic Controllers pays more in 39 states; Transportation Inspectors pays more in 2.

State Air Traffic Controllers Transportation Inspectors Difference
Alabama $108,100
$78,400
+$29,700
Arizona $122,780
$44,880
+$77,900
Arkansas $91,440
$81,160
+$10,280
California $160,490
$74,780
+$85,710
Colorado $168,580
$55,820
+$112,760
Connecticut $107,870
$78,520
+$29,350
District of Columbia $34,130
$97,130
$-63,000
Florida $137,240
$83,350
+$53,890
Georgia $166,380
$94,220
+$72,160
Hawaii $144,210
$90,380
+$53,830
Idaho $109,820
$104,060
+$5,760
Illinois $171,810
$61,450
+$110,360
Indiana $150,780
$65,440
+$85,340
Iowa $89,520
$71,310
+$18,210
Kansas $147,180
$99,520
+$47,660
Kentucky $121,970
$88,780
+$33,190
Louisiana $93,870
$85,570
+$8,300
Maryland $105,310
$85,260
+$20,050
Massachusetts $96,370
$92,870
+$3,500
Michigan $106,390
$77,660
+$28,730
Mississippi $87,730
$70,790
+$16,940
Missouri $109,660
$54,530
+$55,130
Montana $92,980
$60,160
+$32,820
Nevada $123,280
$95,680
+$27,600
New Hampshire $176,260
$108,700
+$67,560
New Jersey $122,620
$46,750
+$75,870
New Mexico $136,510
$60,130
+$76,380
New York $135,590
$87,380
+$48,210
North Dakota $113,880
$95,630
+$18,250
Ohio $151,170
$75,920
+$75,250
Oklahoma $115,170
$91,100
+$24,070
Pennsylvania $121,310
$67,180
+$54,130
South Carolina $101,670
$76,000
+$25,670
South Dakota $92,830
$73,880
+$18,950
Tennessee $146,060
$76,230
+$69,830
Texas $159,100
$81,020
+$78,080
Utah $146,350
$53,460
+$92,890
Virginia $177,110
$77,530
+$99,580
Washington $155,210
$95,730
+$59,480
West Virginia $82,740
$47,740
+$35,000
Wisconsin $100,090
$104,580
$-4,490

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Air Traffic Controllers or Transportation Inspectors?
On average across all states, a Air Traffic Controllers earns more than a Transportation Inspectors. The national median salary difference is $45,726 (58.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Air Traffic Controllers earn more than a Transportation Inspectors?
A Air Traffic Controllers earns a higher median salary than a Transportation Inspectors in 39 out of 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Transportation Inspectors pays more in 2 states.
What is the median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers vs Transportation Inspectors?
The national median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers is $123,722 per year, compared to $77,996 for a Transportation Inspectors, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Air Traffic Controllers or Transportation Inspectors?
There are more people employed as Air Traffic Controllers. BLS reports approximately 21,630 Air Traffic Controllers positions and 19,070 Transportation Inspectors positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Air Traffic Controllers or Transportation Inspectors?
Both Air Traffic Controllers and Transportation Inspectors 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.