National Salary Overview
VS
Air Traffic Controllers earns $51,830 more (63.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$133,445
$81,614
Average (Mean) Salary
$132,408
$88,538
Total Employment
20,850
22,870
States with Higher Pay
36
2
Salary by State: Air Traffic Controllers vs Transportation Inspectors
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Air Traffic Controllers pays more in 36 states; Transportation Inspectors pays more in 2.
| State | Air Traffic Controllers | Transportation Inspectors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $114,960 | $108,140 | +$6,820 | ||
| Alaska | $123,950 | $123,120 | +$830 | ||
| Arizona | $136,800 | $62,250 | +$74,550 | ||
| Arkansas | $109,760 | $85,130 | +$24,630 | ||
| California | $160,080 | $83,000 | +$77,080 | ||
| Colorado | $177,380 | $81,820 | +$95,560 | ||
| Connecticut | $140,940 | $91,520 | +$49,420 | ||
| District of Columbia | $47,760 | $89,960 | $-42,200 | ||
| Florida | $147,530 | $101,470 | +$46,060 | ||
| Georgia | $178,420 | $95,030 | +$83,390 | ||
| Hawaii | $158,700 | $108,270 | +$50,430 | ||
| Illinois | $181,560 | $47,990 | +$133,570 | ||
| Indiana | $158,810 | $80,330 | +$78,480 | ||
| Iowa | $90,790 | $116,850 | $-26,060 | ||
| Kansas | $159,700 | $103,380 | +$56,320 | ||
| Kentucky | $127,800 | $83,970 | +$43,830 | ||
| Louisiana | $99,810 | $77,460 | +$22,350 | ||
| Maine | $107,270 | $63,750 | +$43,520 | ||
| Maryland | $131,290 | $100,700 | +$30,590 | ||
| Massachusetts | $125,060 | $79,650 | +$45,410 | ||
| Michigan | $118,930 | $35,890 | +$83,040 | ||
| Minnesota | $176,840 | $92,860 | +$83,980 | ||
| Missouri | $122,200 | $64,690 | +$57,510 | ||
| Montana | $101,380 | $62,810 | +$38,570 | ||
| Nevada | $140,920 | $50,060 | +$90,860 | ||
| New Jersey | $132,230 | $49,250 | +$82,980 | ||
| New Mexico | $148,550 | $63,690 | +$84,860 | ||
| New York | $144,960 | $93,420 | +$51,540 | ||
| North Carolina | $129,230 | $84,470 | +$44,760 | ||
| North Dakota | $107,990 | $106,330 | +$1,660 | ||
| Oklahoma | $123,220 | $111,070 | +$12,150 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $132,350 | $81,550 | +$50,800 | ||
| South Carolina | $112,030 | $80,490 | +$31,540 | ||
| Tennessee | $157,330 | $78,430 | +$78,900 | ||
| Texas | $170,080 | $101,440 | +$68,640 | ||
| Utah | $158,310 | $64,480 | +$93,830 | ||
| Virginia | $191,820 | $68,610 | +$123,210 | ||
| Washington | $162,570 | $104,250 | +$58,320 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Air Traffic Controllers vs Transportation Inspectors salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $51,830 (63.5%) based on 2025 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 36 out of 38 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 $133,445 per year, compared to $81,614 for a Transportation Inspectors, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Air Traffic Controllers or Transportation Inspectors?
There are more people employed as Transportation Inspectors. BLS reports approximately 20,850 Air Traffic Controllers positions and 22,870 Transportation Inspectors positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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