Air traffic controller vs traffic controller

The differences between air traffic controllers and traffic controllers 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 $39,099 average annual salary of a 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 traffic controller are construction sites, DOT, and safety regulations.

Air traffic controller vs traffic controller overview

	Air Traffic Controller	Traffic Controller
Yearly salary	$49,141	$39,099
Hourly rate	$23.63	$18.80
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	17,944	17,859
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	High School Diploma, 41%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	-	-

What does an air traffic controller do?

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.

What does a traffic controller do?

The primary role of a traffic controller is to direct the flow of machinery and vehicles on roads and any other work sites. Traffic controllers coordinate, setup, manage, and remove traffic control. They direct traffic in disruption areas like accidents, planned maintenance, building sites, and roadworks. They have to direct pedestrians for safety maintenance around road conditions and changed vehicles. They need to be keen on directing traffic flow.

Air traffic controller vs traffic controller salary

Air traffic controllers and traffic controllers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Air Traffic Controller	Traffic Controller
Average salary	$49,141	$39,099
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $90,000	Between $24,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Hartford, CT
Highest paying state	Connecticut	Alaska
Best paying company	SAIC	Siemens
Best paying industry	-	Non Profits

Differences between air traffic controller and traffic controller education

There are a few differences between an air traffic controller and a traffic controller in terms of educational background:

	Air Traffic Controller	Traffic Controller
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	High School Diploma, 41%
Most common major	Aviation	Business
Most common college	SUNY Farmingdale	SUNY Farmingdale

Air traffic controller vs traffic controller demographics

Here are the differences between air traffic controllers' and traffic controllers' demographics:

	Air Traffic Controller	Traffic Controller
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9%	Male, 66.2% Female, 33.8%
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, 8.0% Unknown, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 5.4% White, 60.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	7%	7%

Differences between air traffic controller and traffic controller duties and responsibilities

Air traffic controller example responsibilities.

Lead recruitment and training for first ever associate operational combat flying organization.
Assign as SME for the Milstar AFCPT maintenance course.
Represent the hospital by attending the monthly APIC meetings.
Comply with all AWP policies, procedures and safety requirements.
Have certification in traffic control, CPR, and OSHA.
Assist in the creation of several (NOTAMS) notice to airmen.

Traffic controller example responsibilities.

Lead team providing cargo, personal property and passenger movements for DoD personnel.
Provide support for traffic control set-ups within ATSSA compliance and regulations.
Control air and grind traffic movement for private, commercial, and military aircraft in IFR and VFR conditions.
Ensure compliance with FAA, USAF, ANG and all local directives.
Register traffic controller, certify in CPR and first aid.
Direct staff training and the FAA qualification of facility personnel.

Air traffic controller vs traffic controller skills

Common air traffic controller skills

Federal Aviation Administration, 21%
Air Traffic Control, 20%
NAS, 18%
Maximize Safety, 3%
CTO, 3%
Emergency Situations, 3%

Common traffic controller skills

Construction Sites, 13%
DOT, 10%
Safety Regulations, 10%
Safety Procedures, 7%
Direct Traffic, 7%
TMA, 6%

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Air Traffic Controller
Air Traffic Controller vs Traffic Controller

Updated January 8, 2025

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