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The differences between air traffic controllers and pilots can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pilot has an average salary of $83,128, which is higher than the $49,141 average annual salary of an air traffic controller.
The top three skills for an air traffic controller include federal aviation administration, air traffic control and NAS. The most important skills for a pilot are PIC, pilot-in-command, and flight operations.
| Air Traffic Controller | Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $49,141 | $83,128 |
| Hourly rate | $23.63 | $39.97 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 17,944 | 3,049 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 38 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
An air traffic controller specializes in overseeing and directing airspace traffic, all while maintaining an active line of communication with aircraft to ensure safe and efficient air travels. Generally assigned in ground control centers and towers, an air traffic controller's responsibilities revolve around utilizing technology to monitor flight paths, weather, and airport runways to guide pilots and airport personnel, coordinating with other control officers, inspecting and maintaining instruments and equipment in good condition, and alerting departments and assigned personnel should there be any emergencies.
A pilot is an individual who works in the aviation industry to operate aircraft and transport passengers and cargos from one location to another. Pilots can fly and navigate different types of aircrafts such as helicopters, large commercial aircraft, or cargo planes. They must perform pre-flight inspections and check flight logs to secure safety for all crews and passengers who are on board. Pilots can also decide to work as flight instructors or establish an aviation school when they have gained enough experience in the aviation industry.
Air traffic controllers and pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Air Traffic Controller | Pilot | |
| Average salary | $49,141 | $83,128 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $90,000 | Between $58,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | California |
| Best paying company | SAIC | HP |
| Best paying industry | - | Transportation |
There are a few differences between an air traffic controller and a pilot in terms of educational background:
| Air Traffic Controller | Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | SUNY Farmingdale | SUNY Farmingdale |
Here are the differences between air traffic controllers' and pilots' demographics:
| Air Traffic Controller | Pilot | |
| Average age | 38 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9% | Male, 70.7% Female, 29.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 5.3% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 9% |