Data Scientist vs Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Side-by-side salary comparison based on BLS OES data. Updated 2026.
Higher paying occupation
Data Scientist
$105,473/yr median(+$49,917 · 89.8% more)
Higher pay
Data Scientist
Median$105,473
Mean$110,908
10th %ile$62,840
25th %ile$79,848
75th %ile$134,961
90th %ile$163,371
Employed234K+
Air Traffic Controller
Median$55,556
Mean$58,768
10th %ile$36,812
25th %ile$44,273
75th %ile$70,911
90th %ile$85,185
Employed14K+
Salary Distribution Comparison
Data Scientist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,840 |
| 25th percentile | $79,848 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $105,473 |
| 75th percentile | $134,961 |
| 90th percentile | $163,371 |
Air Traffic Controller
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,812 |
| 25th percentile | $44,273 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $55,556 |
| 75th percentile | $70,911 |
| 90th percentile | $85,185 |
Top Paying States
Data Scientist
| # | State | Median |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $158,760 |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $137,120 |
| 3 | California | $136,800 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $132,250 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $130,370 |
Air Traffic Controller
| # | State | Median |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $82,540 |
| 2 | Arizona | $80,260 |
| 3 | Alabama | $78,270 |
| 4 | Texas | $77,460 |
| 5 | Oregon | $75,710 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which pays more, Data Scientist or Air Traffic Controller?
- Data Scientist pays more with a median salary of $105,473/year, which is 89.8% more than Air Traffic Controller at $55,556/year.
- What is the salary difference between Data Scientist and Air Traffic Controller?
- The median salary difference is $49,917/year (89.8%).
Compare Different Jobs
Related Comparisons
Data Scientist vs AccountantData Scientist vs ActuaryData Scientist vs Administrative Services ManagerData Scientist vs Aerospace EngineerAir Traffic Controller vs AccountantAir Traffic Controller vs ActuaryAir Traffic Controller vs Administrative Services ManagerAir Traffic Controller vs Aerospace Engineer