SalaryData

Air Traffic Controller vs Airline Pilot Salary (2026)

Side-by-side salary comparison based on BLS OES data. Updated 2026.

Higher paying occupation

Airline Pilot

$214,428/yr median(+$157,481 · 276.5% more)

Air Traffic Controller

Median$56,947
Mean$60,132
10th %ile$38,270
25th %ile$45,062
75th %ile$74,014
90th %ile$85,581
Employed13K+
Higher pay

Airline Pilot

Median$214,428
Mean$221,734
10th %ile$111,059
25th %ile$145,757
75th %ile$288,442
90th %ile$335,372
Employed87K+

Salary Distribution Comparison

Air Traffic Controller

Air Traffic Controller salary percentiles
PercentileAnnual Salary
10th percentile$38,270
25th percentile$45,062
Median (50th percentile)$56,947
75th percentile$74,014
90th percentile$85,581

Airline Pilot

Airline Pilot salary percentiles
PercentileAnnual Salary
10th percentile$111,059
25th percentile$145,757
Median (50th percentile)$214,428
75th percentile$288,442
90th percentile$335,372

Top Paying States

Air Traffic Controller

#StateMedian
1Kentucky$123,290
2Washington$84,050
3Alabama$78,590
4Arizona$77,570
5Colorado$77,500

Airline Pilot

#StateMedian
1Georgia$618,090
2Idaho$507,640
3Michigan$428,570
4California$353,900
5Kentucky$350,950

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pays more, Air Traffic Controller or Airline Pilot?
Airline Pilot pays more with a median salary of $214,428/year, which is 276.5% more than Air Traffic Controller at $56,947/year.
What is the salary difference between Air Traffic Controller and Airline Pilot?
The median salary difference is $157,481/year (276.5%).

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