Air Traffic Controllers vs Airline Pilots salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Air Traffic Controllers earn an average of $127,920 per year, while Airline Pilots earn an average of $198,190 per year. Therefore, the salary for Airline Pilots is much higher than that of Air Traffic Controllers.

However, it's important to mention that the amount of pay an employee receives can be influenced by factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which they work. For example, Air Traffic Controllers who work in Virginia (with salary averaging $152,450) may earn more than those who work in West Virginia ($76,700).

Air Traffic Controllers vs Airline Pilots overview

Air Traffic Controllers and Airline Pilots are essential to the Federal, State, and Local Government industry. Many people are interested in understanding the differences between these jobs, as well as the average salaries for each.

Air Traffic Controller job description

Air Traffic Controllers control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

Air Traffic Controller education and experience

Among Air Traffic Controllers, 36% have obtained a High School Diploma, 21% hold a Post-Secondary Certificate, and 20% have a Bachelor's Degree. Regarding experience, 43% of Air Traffic Controller occupations require no previous experience. A smaller portion of roles (21%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Air Traffic Controller average salary

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that in 2021, there were 21,230 Air Traffic Controllers working in the United States, and on average, they earned $127,920 per year. The bottom 10 percent earned $71,880 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $185,990 or more. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has grown by 0.4%.

Do Air Traffic Controllers make good money?

Air Traffic Controllers typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 120% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they make 89% more than the mean salary of the Federal, State, and Local Government industry ($67,800).

Air Traffic Controllers typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 120% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Air Traffic Controllers job growth

In 2021, there have been 960 less Air Traffic Controller job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows a decline of 4.3%. The average job growth rate for the past 3 years has been -1.7%.

Airline Pilot job description

Alternative names: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Airline Pilots pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

Airline Pilot education and experience

Most Airline Pilots (61%) have completed a Bachelor's Degree. But additionally, among employees with this job title, there are also some with a High School Diploma (18%) and a Less than a High School Diploma (8%). Regarding experience, about a third of Airline Pilot occupations require a 2 to 4 years of previous experience working in the field. A smaller number of roles (17%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Airline Pilot average salary

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that in 2021, there were 81,310 Airline Pilots working in the United States, and on average, they earned $198,190 per year. The bottom 10 percent earned $100,110 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $208,000 or more. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary is up by 6.1%.

Do Airline Pilots make good money?

Airline Pilots usually receive good salaries, since their mean salary is over two times above the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they make 130% more than the mean earnings of the Air Transportation industry ($86,310).

Airline Pilots usually receive good salaries, since their mean salary is over two times above the average wage in the United States ($58,260).

Airline Pilots job growth

The number of Airline Pilots being employed has decreased over the past two years. In 2021, there have been 2,240 less positions than the previous year across the nation, and that marks a decrease of 2.7%. The average job growth rate for the past 3 years has been -0.6%.

FAQ

Do Air Traffic Controllers or Airline Pilots make more?

Airline Pilots make about a half more than Air Traffic Controllers. Air Traffic Controllers average around $127,920 per year, while Airline Pilots make $198,190 per year.