SalaryData

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

$107,281/yr median(+$50,334 · 88.4% more)

Higher pay

Data Scientist

Median$107,281
Mean$113,687
10th %ile$66,363
25th %ile$82,902
75th %ile$138,125
90th %ile$167,412
Employed262K+
View full Data Scientist report →

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+
View full Air Traffic Controller report →

Salary Distribution Comparison

Data Scientist

Data Scientist salary percentiles
PercentileAnnual Salary
10th percentile$66,363
25th percentile$82,902
Median (50th percentile)$107,281
75th percentile$138,125
90th percentile$167,412

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

Top Paying States

Data Scientist

#StateMedian
1Washington$163,350
2California$141,590
3Maryland$136,370
4New Jersey$135,280
5Massachusetts$131,750

Air Traffic Controller

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pays more, Data Scientist or Air Traffic Controller?
Data Scientist pays more with a median salary of $107,281/year, which is 88.4% more than Air Traffic Controller at $56,947/year.
What is the salary difference between Data Scientist and Air Traffic Controller?
The median salary difference is $50,334/year (88.4%).

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