Air Traffic Controller vs Police Officer Salary
Side-by-side salary comparison for Air Traffic Controller and Police Officer — national medians, pay ranges, and city-by-city data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally
$144,580 median vs $76,290 — a $68,290/yr difference (47% lower)
Median Salary
$144,580
Salary Range
$76,090 – $210,410
10th–90th percentile
Median Salary
$76,290
Salary Range
$47,640 – $115,280
10th–90th percentile
Air Traffic Controller vs Police Officer Salary by City
Green = higher-paying role in that city. Source: BLS OEWS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Air Traffic Controller or Police Officer pay more?▾
Air Traffic Controllers earn more nationally, with a median salary of $144,580 versus $76,290 for Police Officer. That's a difference of about $68,290 per year.
What's the salary range for a Air Traffic Controller vs a Police Officer?▾
Air Traffic Controller salaries range from $76,090 (10th percentile) to $210,410 (90th percentile). Police Officer salaries range from $47,640 to $115,280.
Which career has more growth potential — Air Traffic Controller or Police Officer?▾
Salary growth depends on experience, specialization, location, and industry sector. Both roles show strong upper-quartile earnings. Check city-by-city data above — in some metros one role significantly outpaces the other, which often reflects local industry demand and competition.