Average Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers Salary in Sunderland
ONS ASHE 2025 · North East region · Updated October 2025
How Sunderland compares
In practical terms, a aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers in the North East earned a median of £72,472 during 2025, which works out to 32.7% below the UK-wide median of £107,712. In practical terms, living costs in the North East run 9.9% below average. That means £72,472 stretches to roughly £80,435 in real spending power. Compared to the Sunderland average across all roles (£28,214), aircraft pilots and air traffic controllerss take home 156.9% more.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (North East index: 90.1, UK=100), a salary of £72,472 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £80,435 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the North East is 9.9% below the UK average.
Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers salary across UK regions
Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers salary in areas near Sunderland
Salary data is by ONS region. Sunderland is in the North East region. Below are neighbouring regions — click to explore salaries there.
Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers Salary Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers salary in Sunderland?
The median aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers salary in the North East (which includes Sunderland) is £72,472 per year, based on ONS ASHE 2025 data. The mean salary is typically higher due to top earners pulling the average up.
How does aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers pay in Sunderland compare to the UK average?
Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers in the North East earn 32.7% below the national median of £107,712. Other regions such as London and the South East typically offer higher salaries for this role.
Is aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers a well-paid job in Sunderland compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Sunderland is £28,214. Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers in the North East earn £72,472, which is 156.9% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for aircraft pilots and air traffic controllerss cover the North East region. The all-jobs average is specific to Sunderland. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.