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The differences between air traffic controllers and traffic control specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an air traffic controller has an average salary of $49,141, which is higher than the $42,315 average annual salary of a traffic control specialist.
The top three skills for an air traffic controller include federal aviation administration, air traffic control and NAS. The most important skills for a traffic control specialist are air traffic control, airspace, and AWP.
| Air Traffic Controller | Traffic Control Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $49,141 | $42,315 |
| Hourly rate | $23.63 | $20.34 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 17,944 | 34,959 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| 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 traffic control specialist is in charge of managing and overseeing traffic conditions during roadworks, ensuring the safety of motorists and the smooth workflow of construction. Their responsibilities typically revolve around devising strategies to direct traffic, participating in installing and removing traffic control equipment such as barricades and cones, assisting motorists by providing alternative routes, and removing any road obstructions as needed. Moreover, as a traffic control specialist, it is essential to implement all the safety regulations and policies, maintaining a safe and productive work environment for everyone.
Air traffic controllers and traffic control specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Air Traffic Controller | Traffic Control Specialist | |
| Average salary | $49,141 | $42,315 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $90,000 | Between $25,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Fairbanks, AK |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Maine |
| Best paying company | SAIC | Serco |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between an air traffic controller and a traffic control specialist in terms of educational background:
| Air Traffic Controller | Traffic Control Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | SUNY Farmingdale | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Here are the differences between air traffic controllers' and traffic control specialists' demographics:
| Air Traffic Controller | Traffic Control Specialist | |
| Average age | 38 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9% | Male, 71.2% Female, 28.8% |
| 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, 11.1% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 5.7% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 8% |