Career comparison
Air Traffic Controller vs. Airfield Operations Specialist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Air traffic controllers earn more at the median ($148,080 vs. $56,850), while airfield operations specialists usually get to work faster (A year or more of training of training). Air traffic controllers keep aircraft safely separated in the sky and on the ground. Airfield operations specialists keep airport runways, taxiways and ramps safe and running.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Air Traffic Controller | Airfield Operations Specialist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $148,080 ($71.19/hr) | $56,850 ($27.33/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $78,420 – $215,610 | $35,870 – $102,120 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.7% (slower than average) | +7.8% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 2,100 | 1,500 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | FAA Academy plus 2–4 years on the job | A year or more of training |
| Key credential | FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist certification | AAAE Certified Member |
| Work setting | Controllers work in towers, approach control facilities and en route centers, often in dimly lit rooms with radar displays. | Specialists work outdoors on airfields and in operations centers.. |
What each job does
Air Traffic Controller
- Issue takeoff, landing and taxi clearances
- Maintain separation between aircraft
- Monitor radar and flight data
- Communicate with pilots by radio
- Coordinate with other controllers and facilities
Airfield Operations Specialist
- Inspect runways and taxiways
- Check airfield lighting
- Manage wildlife hazards
- Coordinate snow removal
- Respond to emergencies
How they’re similar
Both careers involve problem-solving, high responsibility, and shift work. Both are part of the transportation & logistics field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose air traffic controller if…
- I make fast, clear decisions
- I can concentrate for long periods
- I like pressure
Choose airfield operations specialist if…
- I love aviation
- I notice small hazards
- I stay calm in emergencies
Still torn? Take the Air Traffic Controller fit quiz and the Airfield Operations Specialist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, air traffic controller or airfield operations specialist?
Air Traffic Controllers earn more at the median: $148,080 versus $56,850 for airfield operations specialists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Airfield Operations Specialists typically train faster (A year or more of training) than air traffic controllers (FAA Academy plus 2–4 years on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects airfield operations specialists to grow +7.8% from 2025–35, compared with +1.7% for air traffic controllers.