Airline Pilot vs Air Traffic Controller: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Airline Pilot
Operate commercial aircraft safely for passenger and cargo carriers.
Air Traffic Controller
Direct aircraft in controlled airspace to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Airline Pilot earns more on average — the national median is $70,000/year (53%) higher than a Air Traffic Controller. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Airline Pilot vs Air Traffic Controller — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Airline Pilot | Air Traffic Controller | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $291,568 | $191,088 | Airline +$100,480 |
| New York, NY | $240,959 | $154,877 | Airline +$86,082 |
| Seattle, WA | $282,127 | $183,798 | Airline +$98,329 |
| Austin, TX | $222,989 | $144,500 | Airline +$78,489 |
| Chicago, IL | $210,846 | $141,711 | Airline +$69,135 |
| Boston, MA | $257,993 | $167,987 | Airline +$90,006 |
| London, UK | £160,191 | £105,730 | Airline +$54,461 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$274,168 | CA$173,680 | Airline +$100,488 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Airline Pilot or Air Traffic Controller earn more?+
A Airline Pilot earns more on average. The national median salary for a Airline Pilot is $202,000/year, compared to $132,000/year for a Air Traffic Controller — a difference of $70,000 (53%).
Which has better career growth — Airline Pilot or Air Traffic Controller?+
Airline Pilot roles are growing at 14% YoY while Air Traffic Controller demand is growing at 3% YoY. Airline Pilot has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Airline Pilot to Air Traffic Controller?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Airline Pilot or Air Traffic Controller?+
Airline Pilot has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 28%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.