Aircraft mechanic salary is an important search for people who are thinking about a career working with airplanes, aircraft engines, and maintenance systems. In the United States, aircraft mechanics and service technicians had a median annual wage of about $79,870 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The pay can be different from one state to another, and it can also change with experience, aircraft type, employer, work schedule, and certification. Many people also search for terms like aircraft mechanic salary in USA, A&P mechanic salary, aircraft maintenance technician salary, and how much does an aircraft mechanic make. This guide looks at aircraft mechanic pay, state-wise salary, hourly pay, career requirements, and the kind of work an aircraft mechanic does.
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Aircraft Mechanic Salary in the United States
Aircraft mechanics are the people who help keep airplanes safe and ready for service. Their work can include checking aircraft parts, finding mechanical problems, repairing systems, replacing parts, and doing regular maintenance. Some mechanics work in airline maintenance departments, while others work for repair stations, aerospace companies, government agencies, or companies that support air transportation.
The latest BLS wage data shows a median aircraft mechanic salary of $79,870 per year in May 2025. The mean annual wage was about $84,740. At the lower end, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,780, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $128,890. So, there is a pretty wide pay range in this career.
It is also worth knowing that an aircraft mechanic salary is not the same in every workplace. A mechanic working for an airline may have a different pay package than someone working at a small repair shop. Location also matters because aircraft maintenance jobs are often concentrated around major airports and aerospace areas.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary at a Glance
- Median annual salary: $79,870
- Mean annual wage: $84,740
- Median hourly wage: $38.40
- Lowest 10 percent: Less than $48,780 per year
- Highest 10 percent: More than $128,890 per year
- Occupation code: 49-3011
These figures are for aircraft mechanics and service technicians and come from the May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. Actual job offers can be higher or lower depending on the employer, location, experience, overtime, shift work, and other job conditions.
State Wise Aircraft Mechanic Salary
Aircraft mechanic pay can change a lot depending on the state. The table below uses the May 2025 median annual wage figures for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians. State salary data is useful because someone searching for an aircraft mechanic salary by state may see a very different number from the national salary figure.
| State | Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $82,260 |
| Alaska | $91,150 |
| Arizona | $75,300 |
| Arkansas | $70,000 |
| California | $86,100 |
| Colorado | $74,000 |
| Connecticut | $96,830 |
| Delaware | $76,000 |
| Florida | $76,940 |
| Georgia | $75,640 |
| Hawaii | $90,830 |
| Idaho | $61,250 |
| Illinois | $78,000 |
| Indiana | $63,400 |
| Iowa | $69,000 |
| Kansas | $70,000 |
| Kentucky | $72,000 |
| Louisiana | $70,000 |
| Maine | $75,000 |
| Maryland | $100,500 |
| Massachusetts | $93,040 |
| Michigan | $72,000 |
| Minnesota | $90,160 |
| Mississippi | $69,000 |
| Missouri | $70,000 |
| Montana | $68,000 |
| Nebraska | $64,020 |
| Nevada | $94,890 |
| New Hampshire | $78,000 |
| New Jersey | $105,370 |
| New Mexico | $70,000 |
| New York | $102,800 |
| North Carolina | $76,980 |
| North Dakota | $68,000 |
| Ohio | $74,000 |
| Oklahoma | $74,390 |
| Oregon | $77,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $76,000 |
| Rhode Island | $78,000 |
| South Carolina | $73,000 |
| South Dakota | $67,000 |
| Tennessee | $81,040 |
| Texas | $84,440 |
| Utah | $73,000 |
| Vermont | $70,000 |
| Virginia | $80,000 |
| Washington | $98,980 |
| West Virginia | $45,470 |
| Wisconsin | $72,000 |
| Wyoming | $56,680 |
Salary note: State figures should be treated as BLS May 2025 occupational wage estimates. Some state estimates may be unpublished or represented differently in the underlying BLS tables, so the final article should retain the official source methodology when these figures are updated.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary by State
The state numbers show why searching only for the national aircraft mechanic salary does not tell the full story. For example, the published May 2025 median was above $100,000 in New Jersey, New York, and Maryland, while several other states had much lower median pay. New Jersey had a median of $105,370, New York was $102,800, and Maryland was $100,500. Washington was also close to the $100,000 mark at $98,980.
At the other end, West Virginia had a median wage of $45,470, while Wyoming was $56,680 and Idaho was $61,250. These differences are one reason people often search for aircraft mechanic salary by state before applying for jobs or deciding where to build an aviation maintenance career.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary in New Jersey
New Jersey had a median annual wage of about $105,370 for aircraft mechanics and service technicians in May 2025. The state has aviation activity around airports, maintenance operations, transportation, and other aviation-related work. A mechanic's actual offer can still be different depending on the company, experience, certification, and shift.
- Median annual salary: $105,370
- Aircraft mechanic hourly pay can vary by employer and experience
- A&P certification can be important for many maintenance jobs
- Airline and repair-station jobs may have different pay structures
Aircraft Mechanic Salary in New York
New York had a median aircraft mechanic salary of $102,800 per year in May 2025. The state also has a large aviation employment base, with about 4,300 workers in this occupation according to the state estimate. For people searching for aircraft mechanic jobs in New York, pay can be different between airline maintenance, repair stations, cargo operations, and other employers.
- Median annual salary: $102,800
- Median hourly wage: about $49.42
- Aircraft maintenance jobs are found around major aviation areas
- Experience and certification can affect individual job offers
Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Maryland
Maryland reported a median annual wage of about $100,500 for aircraft mechanics and service technicians in May 2025. Maryland has a strong aviation and aerospace presence, so aircraft maintenance workers may find opportunities in different types of aviation operations. The salary number is a state median, not a guaranteed salary for every mechanic.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Washington
Washington had a median annual wage of approximately $98,980 for this occupation in May 2025. The state is an important location for aerospace and aviation work. This makes Washington a common location to search when people are looking for aircraft mechanic jobs, aircraft maintenance technician jobs, and A&P mechanic positions.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Connecticut
Connecticut reported a median wage of around $96,830 per year. Aircraft maintenance work in the state can be connected with aviation companies, repair operations, airports, and aerospace-related employers. The actual aircraft mechanic pay can change with the type of aircraft, experience, and employer.
How Much Does an Aircraft Mechanic Make?
So, how much does an aircraft mechanic make in the United States? The short answer is that it depends on where the person works and how much experience they have. The BLS reported a median annual wage of $79,870 for aircraft mechanics and service technicians in May 2025. Some workers make much less when they are just starting, while experienced mechanics in higher-paying jobs can make well over $100,000 a year.
Aircraft mechanic pay can also include more than the basic hourly wage. Overtime, night shifts, weekend work, location, employer benefits, and the type of aircraft being maintained can all make a difference. Because aircraft maintenance has to follow strict safety rules, some employers also look for workers with specific certificates and hands-on experience.
Aircraft Mechanic Hourly Pay
Many people search for aircraft mechanic hourly pay because hourly jobs are common in aviation maintenance. Based on the national BLS median annual wage of $79,870, the equivalent median hourly wage is about $38.40 per hour. This is a simple annual-to-hourly conversion and should not be treated as the exact hourly rate offered by every employer.
Actual hourly aircraft mechanic pay can be lower for an entry-level worker and higher for an experienced mechanic. A person working overtime may also take home more than someone working a standard schedule. Some aviation maintenance jobs also have different pay rates for overnight shifts or other less common schedules.
- National median equivalent hourly wage: about $38.40
- Annual median wage: $79,870
- Overtime may increase total yearly earnings
- Night and weekend shifts may have different pay arrangements
- Experience can affect the hourly rate offered by an employer
Aircraft Mechanic Starting Salary
The aircraft mechanic starting salary is usually below the national median because the median includes workers at different experience levels. Someone entering the field for the first time may start closer to the lower part of the wage range. The BLS reported that the lowest 10 percent of aircraft mechanics and service technicians earned less than $48,780 per year in May 2025.
This does not mean every new aircraft mechanic will make $48,780. Starting pay depends on the employer, location, training, certification, aircraft type, and previous mechanical experience. A new worker who already has relevant aviation training may have a different starting offer than someone with little hands-on experience.
Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic Salary
Entry level aircraft mechanic salary is one of the common searches from people who are considering aviation maintenance as a first career. New mechanics generally need to build practical experience before moving into higher-paying positions. An entry-level job may involve inspections, maintenance support, documentation, troubleshooting, and other work under the requirements of the employer and applicable aviation regulations.
Starting low does not always mean the career stays at that level. Aircraft mechanics can increase their earning potential as they gain experience, develop specialized skills, qualify for additional responsibilities, and move into better-paying employers or locations.
A&P Mechanic Salary
A&P mechanic salary is another major keyword used by people searching for aircraft maintenance jobs. A&P refers to the Airframe and Powerplant ratings issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA explains that mechanics can obtain an Airframe rating, a Powerplant rating, or both ratings.
A mechanic holding both ratings is commonly called an A&P mechanic. These ratings can open the door to a wider range of aircraft maintenance work, although the exact job duties and hiring requirements still depend on the employer and position.
There is not one separate national BLS salary number called “A&P mechanic salary.” The BLS occupation category for aircraft mechanics and service technicians includes the broader occupation. So, it is better to use the official aircraft mechanic wage figures as the main salary reference instead of claiming that every A&P mechanic earns one fixed amount.
Aircraft Maintenance Technician Salary
The term aircraft maintenance technician salary is also widely used in job searches. Aircraft maintenance technicians work on aircraft systems and components to help keep aircraft in proper operating condition. Their work can include scheduled maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, and replacement of damaged or worn parts.
The BLS median wage of $79,870 per year is a useful national reference for aircraft mechanics and service technicians. But an individual aircraft maintenance technician can earn a different amount based on the employer, location, experience, certifications, aircraft type, and work schedule.
What Does an Aircraft Mechanic Do?
An aircraft mechanic does much more than simply repair an airplane when something breaks. Regular maintenance and careful inspection are a big part of the job. Mechanics inspect aircraft parts, look for problems, repair systems, replace components, and make sure maintenance work is completed according to required procedures.
The job can be hands-on and sometimes physically demanding. Mechanics may work around aircraft engines, tools, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, landing gear, and other equipment. Good attention to detail is important because even a small maintenance problem can matter when an aircraft is in service.
- Inspect aircraft and aircraft components
- Find and troubleshoot mechanical problems
- Repair or replace damaged parts
- Work on engines and aircraft systems
- Perform scheduled maintenance
- Read maintenance manuals and technical instructions
- Record completed maintenance work
- Use specialized tools and testing equipment
Aircraft Mechanic Job Requirements
People interested in becoming an aircraft mechanic normally need aviation maintenance training and must meet the requirements for the type of certification or job they want. In the United States, the FAA sets requirements for mechanic certificates and ratings. Training can be completed through an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School or through qualifying practical experience, depending on the applicable FAA requirements.
For many people, an approved aviation maintenance school is the more direct route. Students learn subjects related to aircraft systems, maintenance practices, safety, inspection, and repair. After meeting the FAA requirements, a person can take the required examinations for the appropriate mechanic certificate and ratings.
Common Skills for an Aircraft Mechanic
- Mechanical troubleshooting
- Attention to small details
- Ability to read technical manuals
- Basic electrical and mechanical knowledge
- Safe use of tools and equipment
- Problem-solving skills
- Good record keeping
- Ability to work as part of a maintenance team
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic
Becoming an aircraft mechanic normally takes training, practical experience, examinations, and certification. The exact route can be different for each person, but the FAA has specific eligibility rules for mechanic certificates.
- Complete an appropriate aviation maintenance training program or qualify through acceptable practical experience.
- Meet the FAA requirements for an aircraft mechanic certificate.
- Prepare for the required FAA examinations.
- Obtain the appropriate Airframe and/or Powerplant rating.
- Apply for aircraft maintenance jobs and build practical experience.
- Continue learning as aircraft technology and maintenance procedures change.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary With Experience
Experience can make a noticeable difference in aircraft mechanic pay. A new mechanic is still learning how a particular employer handles aircraft maintenance, documentation, inspections, and work procedures. An experienced mechanic usually has a stronger background in troubleshooting and may be trusted with more complicated maintenance work.
The BLS wage range shows this difference clearly. In May 2025, the lowest 10 percent of workers in the occupation earned less than $48,780, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $128,890. These figures are not a promise that experience alone will produce a particular salary, but they show how wide the earnings range can be.
| Experience Level | Salary Situation |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | Usually below the national median |
| Early Career | Can increase with skills and experience |
| Experienced Mechanic | Often has access to more advanced maintenance work |
| Highly Experienced | Some workers can earn above $100,000 |
What Can Increase an Aircraft Mechanic Salary?
There is no single trick that guarantees a higher aircraft mechanic salary. Still, some factors can make a difference when a mechanic is looking for a new job or trying to move forward in the career. Certification, experience, aircraft knowledge, location, employer, and willingness to work different shifts can all play a role.
- More experience: Experienced mechanics may qualify for more advanced positions.
- A&P certification: Holding the appropriate FAA ratings can be important for many aircraft maintenance jobs.
- Specialized aircraft knowledge: Experience with certain aircraft or systems can be useful for some employers.
- Location: Salary can be very different from one state or metro area to another.
- Employer: Airlines, repair stations, aerospace companies, and other employers may have different pay structures.
- Shift work: Some maintenance operations run around the clock and may offer different pay arrangements for certain shifts.
- Overtime: Extra hours can increase total earnings when overtime is available and paid.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician Salary
These two search terms can look like separate careers, but they can refer to closely related aircraft maintenance work depending on the employer and job title. One company may use “aircraft mechanic,” while another may use “aircraft maintenance technician” for a similar type of position.
For salary research, it is better to look at the actual job description and the occupation used by the employer. A job title by itself does not always tell you what the worker will do or how much the company will pay. This is especially important when comparing aircraft mechanic jobs from different companies.
Aircraft Mechanic Jobs and Workplaces
Aircraft mechanics can work in different parts of the aviation industry. Airlines are one well-known employer, but they are not the only option. Repair stations, aerospace companies, air cargo operations, government organizations, and other aviation businesses also need people who can inspect and maintain aircraft.
- Commercial airlines
- Aircraft repair stations
- Aerospace companies
- Cargo and freight aviation
- General aviation companies
- Government aviation operations
- Aircraft maintenance contractors
The workplace can also change the day-to-day experience. Some mechanics work inside large hangars, while others may work outdoors around aircraft. Since many aircraft operations run outside normal business hours, some mechanics work evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays.
Aircraft Mechanic Career Outlook
Aircraft mechanic is a career that stays connected with the aviation industry, and aircraft still need regular inspection, maintenance, repair, and service as they get older. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians to grow over the 2024 to 2034 period. The aviation industry also needs mechanics to replace workers who leave the occupation or retire.
This means people searching for aircraft mechanic jobs should look at more than just the current salary. The location of the job, type of aircraft, employer, required certification, work schedule, and long-term opportunities are also worth checking before accepting a position.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary Factors
There is no fixed aircraft mechanic salary for everyone in the United States. Two mechanics can have the same job title and still receive different pay. One may work for a large airline in a busy airport, while another may work for a smaller maintenance company in a different state.
Some of the biggest things that can affect aircraft mechanic pay are experience, certification, location, employer, aircraft type, shift, overtime and the level of responsibility in the job.
- Experience: More years in aircraft maintenance can help a worker qualify for higher-level positions.
- Certification: FAA mechanic certification and appropriate ratings can be important for many maintenance jobs.
- Location: Aircraft mechanic salary can be very different across states and metro areas.
- Employer: Airlines and other aviation employers can have different salary and benefit structures.
- Aircraft type: Experience with certain aircraft or systems may be useful for specialized positions.
- Work schedule: Night, weekend and holiday work can be part of aviation maintenance.
- Overtime: Extra hours can increase yearly income when overtime is available.
- Job responsibility: More advanced maintenance responsibilities may come with higher pay.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary by Experience
Experience is one of the things that can change an aircraft mechanic salary over time. A person who is new to the industry normally needs time to become familiar with aircraft maintenance procedures, company rules, technical documents and different maintenance tasks. As the mechanic gains experience, the person may be able to take on more difficult work.
The BLS wage figures show a large difference between the lower and upper parts of the occupation. In May 2025, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,780 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $128,890. This gives an idea of the possible range, but it should not be used as a guaranteed starting or senior salary.
Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic
An entry level aircraft mechanic is usually focused on learning the job, following maintenance procedures and building practical experience. The starting salary can be below the national aircraft mechanic median. Training, certification, location and the employer can all make the first job offer different.
Experienced Aircraft Mechanic
An experienced aircraft mechanic may have several years of hands-on maintenance experience and a stronger understanding of aircraft systems. Some experienced mechanics move into specialized maintenance positions, lead roles or other jobs with more responsibility. The highest-paying opportunities are not available to every worker, but the BLS wage range shows that some workers in the occupation earn more than $100,000 annually.
Aircraft Mechanic Benefits
Salary is only one part of an aircraft mechanic job. Many full-time aviation maintenance positions can also include employee benefits. The exact benefits depend on the company, employment agreement and whether the worker is full-time, part-time or working through a contractor.
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid vacation
- Paid holidays
- Sick leave
- Employee travel benefits at some airlines
- Overtime opportunities
- Training and career development
Not every aircraft mechanic job provides all of these benefits. This is why it is a good idea to compare the complete job offer instead of looking only at the advertised hourly rate or annual salary.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a Good Career?
Aircraft mechanic can be a solid career option for someone who likes mechanical work, airplanes, tools and hands-on problem solving. It is not a desk-only job. Mechanics spend a lot of time working with aircraft systems, equipment and technical information, and the work needs careful attention.
The career also comes with responsibility. Aircraft maintenance is safety-sensitive work, so a mechanic needs to follow procedures and document work correctly. Someone who prefers practical work and does not mind working different shifts may find the field interesting.
- Hands-on mechanical work
- Connection with the aviation industry
- Different types of employers
- Possibility to grow with experience
- Opportunities in different parts of the country
- Potential for overtime in some jobs
Aircraft Mechanic Work Schedule
Aircraft do not only operate during normal office hours, so aircraft maintenance can also happen at different times of the day. Some mechanics work early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends or holidays. The schedule depends on the employer and the type of aviation operation.
For someone comparing aircraft mechanic jobs, the schedule should be checked along with the salary. A job with a higher hourly rate may have a different shift or overtime requirement than another job with a lower advertised rate.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary vs Other Aviation Jobs
Aircraft mechanic is only one career in the aviation industry. People interested in airplanes can also look at avionics technician, aircraft service technician, aerospace technician and other aviation maintenance positions. The education, certification, daily work and salary can be different for each occupation.
For salary research, it is important not to combine numbers from unrelated aviation occupations. The BLS aircraft mechanic figures used in this article specifically relate to aircraft mechanics and service technicians. A different aviation occupation may have a different wage range and job outlook.
How Much Does an Aircraft Mechanic Make a Year?
The national median aircraft mechanic salary was $79,870 per year in May 2025 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage was about $84,740. Some aircraft mechanics earn below this level, while others earn considerably more.
For someone searching “how much does an aircraft mechanic make,” the national median is a useful starting point, but it should not be treated as the exact salary for a particular job. State, city, employer, experience, certification and working hours can change the final number.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary Per Month
Using the national median annual wage of $79,870, the simple monthly equivalent is about $6,656 per month before taxes. This is only an annual salary divided by 12 and does not mean that every aircraft mechanic receives the same monthly paycheck.
Actual take-home pay will be lower after federal and state taxes, insurance, retirement contributions and other deductions. Overtime or additional pay can also make the actual monthly income different.
| Salary Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Median Salary | $79,870 |
| Approx. Monthly Equivalent | $6,656 |
| Approx. Weekly Equivalent | $1,536 |
| Approx. Hourly Equivalent | $38.40 |
These monthly, weekly and hourly figures are simple conversions of the BLS median annual wage and are not separate BLS wage estimates.
Final Thoughts on Aircraft Mechanic Salary
Aircraft mechanic salary in the United States can range quite a bit depending on the state, employer, experience and type of aircraft maintenance work. The national median wage was $79,870 per year in May 2025, while the highest 10 percent of workers earned more than $128,890. This makes the career worth researching for people who like mechanical work and want to work around airplanes.
For someone planning this career, it is better to look at the complete picture instead of one salary number. Check the local aircraft mechanic salary, A&P requirements, starting pay, work schedule, benefits and available jobs before making a decision. With the right training and practical experience, an aircraft mechanic can build a long-term career in aviation maintenance.
Salary source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and Occupational Outlook Handbook. Salary figures in this article refer to Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians and should be updated when new BLS wage data is released.