SalaryData

Software Developer vs Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

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

Higher paying occupation

Software Developer

$121,352/yr median(+$65,796 · 118.4% more)

Higher pay

Software Developer

Median$121,352
Mean$127,085
10th %ile$74,572
25th %ile$94,378
75th %ile$151,381
90th %ile$178,009
Employed1.7M+

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

Software Developer

Software Developer salary percentiles
PercentileAnnual Salary
10th percentile$74,572
25th percentile$94,378
Median (50th percentile)$121,352
75th percentile$151,381
90th percentile$178,009

Air Traffic Controller

Air Traffic Controller salary percentiles
PercentileAnnual 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

Software Developer

#StateMedian
1California$170,910
2Washington$166,910
3New York$161,260
4Massachusetts$150,520
5Maryland$137,890

Air Traffic Controller

#StateMedian
1Washington$82,540
2Arizona$80,260
3Alabama$78,270
4Texas$77,460
5Oregon$75,710

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pays more, Software Developer or Air Traffic Controller?
Software Developer pays more with a median salary of $121,352/year, which is 118.4% more than Air Traffic Controller at $55,556/year.
What is the salary difference between Software Developer and Air Traffic Controller?
The median salary difference is $65,796/year (118.4%).

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