2026 comparison
Air Traffic Controller vs Commercial Pilot salary in South Africa
Higher paying career: Commercial Pilot. Approximate monthly difference: R45 000.
Entry, mid, senior pay, demand, difficulty and long-term career upside.
Air Traffic Controller
Medium demand · Air traffic control training and licensing
EntryR28 000
MidR70 000
SeniorR115 000
Top 20%R170 000
Commercial Pilot
Medium demand · Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
EntryR35 000
MidR95 000
SeniorR160 000
Top 20%R250 000
Salary breakdown
Entry
R28 000
R35 000
Mid
R70 000
R95 000
Senior
R115 000
R160 000
Top 20%
R170 000
R250 000
Demand
Air Traffic Controller6/10
Commercial Pilot6/10
Difficulty
Air Traffic Controller9/10
Commercial Pilot9/10
Salary difference
+R45 000
Compare the Commercial Pilot salary in South Africa with how much Air Traffic Controllers earn at senior level.
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Higher paying career: Commercial Pilot. The senior-level gap is about R45 000 per month, based on R160 000 for Commercial Pilot compared with R115 000 for Air Traffic Controller.
Career alternatives
Higher earning
Commercial Pilot
Easier entry
Air Traffic Controller
Better long-term
Commercial Pilot
Skills / requirements
Airspace control
Air Traffic Controller needs this
Less central
Decision making
Air Traffic Controller needs this
Less central
Communication
Air Traffic Controller needs this
Less central
Stress management
Air Traffic Controller needs this
Less central
Instrument Rating
Less central
Commercial Pilot needs this
Multi-engine rating
Less central
Commercial Pilot needs this
Career progression
Air Traffic Controller
ATC TraineeR28 000
Tower ControllerR60 000
Area ControllerR90 000
Senior ControllerR115 000
Commercial Pilot
Flight InstructorR35 000
First Officer (regional)R70 000
First Officer (airline)R110 000
CaptainR180 000
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