I don't think it's misleading at all. Right now the most formal education that the FAA is requiring applicants to have is a high school degree. Most high school grads in other job sectors will never see a payscale like that of an ATC, esp within only a few years on the job. Sure there are occasional success stories like dropout-self-made-millionaire types but most decent, well paying professions require a college or even more advanced degree. Even if it's not required, it's competitive to have one.

Same here.. I actually had an offer letter in my hand but when it came down to it I just couldnt see myself being happy doing that. I thought of myself in the future sitting up in the tower looking around at the planes and I knew that I would be wishing that I were in a plane instead. The salary and pension were incredibly tempting.. I wondered if I earned enough money to never worry about bills again and also have pension, could that security and peace of mind be enough to compensate for doing a job I don't enjoy... that was such a tough call but for me ultimately the answer was no.