Aircraft Mechanic Salary in 2026
The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $79,870 in May 2025. BLS also reports a mean annual wage of $84,740 and a median hourly wage of $38.40. The lowest 10% earned less than $48,780, while the highest 10% earned more than $128,890.
Aircraft mechanic pay varies by employer, industry, location, experience, schedule, overtime, shift premiums, qualifications, and job responsibilities. Air transportation had a May 2025 median of $96,170 for aircraft mechanics and service technicians, compared with the $79,870 national occupation median.
Students comparing A&P mechanic salary should also compare training cost, training timeline, campus options, financing, and the types of employers they may want to pursue after certification.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary Snapshot
The latest BLS data gives a useful national benchmark for aircraft mechanic pay. These figures describe the occupation as a whole and should not be treated as guaranteed starting, airline, or senior-mechanic salaries.
| Salary Metric | May 2025 BLS Figure | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $79,870 | Half of aircraft mechanics and service technicians earned more and half earned less. |
| Mean annual wage | $84,740 | Arithmetic average across the occupation. |
| Median hourly wage | $38.40 | National median hourly wage from May 2025 OEWS data. |
| Lowest 10% | Less than $48,780 | Lower end of the national wage distribution, not a universal starting salary. |
| Highest 10% | More than $128,890 | Upper end of the national wage distribution. |
| Avionics technician median | $82,280 | National May 2025 median for avionics technicians. |
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BLS wage data covers workers throughout the occupation. Actual offers depend on employer, location, experience, shift, overtime, union or company pay scale, qualifications, and other factors.
Compare Aircraft Mechanic Salary With Training Cost
Salary is only one part of the career decision. Compare current wage data with A&P school cost, training duration, financing, campus location, and the types of maintenance employers available in the markets where you want to work.
How Much Do Aircraft Mechanics Make?
BLS reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $79,870 for aircraft mechanics and service technicians. The May 2025 mean annual wage was $84,740, while the median hourly wage was $38.40.
Median and mean are different measures. The median is the midpoint of the wage distribution, while the mean is the arithmetic average.
Pay varies substantially within the occupation. BLS reports that the lowest 10% earned less than $48,780, while the highest 10% earned more than $128,890.
Those figures are more useful national benchmarks than assuming all new A&P mechanics start at one fixed rate or that all experienced mechanics earn the same amount.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary vs. Aviation Mechanic Salary vs. A&P Mechanic Salary
Searches for aircraft mechanic salary, aviation mechanic salary, airplane mechanic salary, A&P mechanic salary, aircraft technician salary, and aviation maintenance technician salary often refer to overlapping parts of the same maintenance field.
Job titles alone do not determine pay. The more important factors are:
- FAA mechanic ratings and other qualifications;
- employer type;
- aircraft and systems experience;
- location;
- schedule and shift;
- overtime;
- seniority;
- inspection or specialty responsibilities; and
- leadership duties.
| Common Title | What It Usually Means | Salary Planning Note |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic | A mechanic who inspects, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains aircraft. | This is the terminology used in the BLS aircraft mechanic occupation. |
| Aviation Mechanic | A broader informal term for mechanics working in aviation maintenance. | Actual duties and qualifications should be checked in the employer’s job description. |
| A&P Mechanic | An FAA-certificated mechanic holding both Airframe and Powerplant ratings. | Holding both ratings can expand the maintenance work for which a mechanic may qualify. |
| AMT / Aviation Maintenance Technician | A common employer and industry title for aircraft maintenance personnel. | Pay depends on the actual job, employer, ratings, and responsibilities. |
| Aircraft Technician | A broad title that may cover mechanical, technical, or maintenance-support work. | Verify whether the role requires FAA mechanic certification or other technical credentials. |
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Aircraft Mechanic Hourly Pay vs. Annual Salary
Many aircraft mechanics are paid hourly. BLS reports a national median hourly wage of $38.40 in May 2025.
Annual compensation can differ from a simple hourly-rate calculation because some mechanics may receive:
- overtime;
- night-shift differentials;
- weekend or holiday premiums;
- license premiums;
- lead or inspection premiums;
- bonuses;
- retirement contributions; and
- other employer benefits.
| BLS Wage Benchmark | May 2025 Figure | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Median hourly wage | $38.40 | Half of workers earned more per hour and half earned less. |
| Median annual wage | $79,870 | National midpoint annual wage. |
| Lower 10% annual threshold | Under $48,780 | Lower end of the occupation’s national wage distribution. |
| Upper 10% annual threshold | Over $128,890 | Upper end of the national wage distribution. |
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What Is the Entry-Level Aircraft Mechanic Salary?
BLS does not publish one national wage specifically labeled “entry-level aircraft mechanic salary.”
A new mechanic’s first offer depends on the employer, location, schedule, previous experience, ratings held, market conditions, and the job itself.
The safest national benchmark for the lower end of the occupation is the BLS wage distribution, not a universal starting-salary estimate.
The lowest 10% of aircraft mechanics and service technicians earned less than $48,780 in May 2025. That does not mean every new mechanic earns that amount; it simply shows the lower end of wages across the occupation.
Students evaluating first-job compensation should compare actual current openings rather than relying on a fixed national starting range.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary by Experience Level
BLS does not publish national aircraft mechanic salary bands by “0–2 years,” “3–7 years,” or similar experience stages.
Experience can affect compensation, but salary growth is usually tied to several factors at once.
| Career Development Factor | How It Can Affect Pay |
|---|---|
| Hands-on experience | Broader troubleshooting and aircraft-system experience can qualify a mechanic for more advanced roles. |
| Employer seniority | Some airline and union pay structures increase compensation through defined seniority steps. |
| Aircraft type and systems knowledge | Experience with larger, turbine, transport-category, avionics-heavy, or specialized aircraft may affect job opportunities. |
| Inspection responsibilities | Qualified mechanics with additional inspection responsibilities may have access to higher-responsibility roles. |
| Lead or supervisory work | Leadership responsibilities can carry different compensation from frontline mechanic positions. |
| Premium schedule | Night, weekend, holiday, and overtime work can increase total annual compensation. |
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Aircraft Mechanic Salary by Industry
Employer industry is one of the clearest BLS-backed factors affecting aircraft mechanic wages.
| Industry | May 2025 Median Annual Wage | Salary Context |
|---|---|---|
| Air transportation | $96,170 | Highest median among the major industries listed by BLS for aircraft mechanics. |
| Couriers and express delivery services | $90,190 | Includes mechanics supporting express and package-delivery operations. |
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | $82,720 | Manufacturing, production, quality, and aircraft-support environments. |
| Federal government | $76,210 | Federal aircraft maintenance employment. |
| Support activities for air transportation | $72,910 | Includes maintenance and support environments associated with air transportation. |
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These medians are stronger national benchmarks than broad unsourced estimates for “airline,” “cargo,” or “MRO” mechanic salary.
Airline Mechanic Salary
BLS reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $96,170 for aircraft mechanics and service technicians working in air transportation.
That is higher than the occupation-wide median of $79,870.
Actual airline mechanic compensation depends on:
- carrier;
- base or station;
- union or employer pay scale;
- seniority;
- shift;
- overtime;
- license premiums;
- lead or inspection duties; and
- benefits.
A newly hired airline mechanic should not assume that the $96,170 industry median is a starting salary. It is the midpoint wage across aircraft mechanics employed in air transportation.
Delta, American, Southwest, United, FedEx and UPS Mechanic Pay
Employer-specific mechanic pay scales change over time and may be governed by contracts, company policies, location, title, seniority, shift premiums, license premiums, and overtime.
Students comparing specific employers should use current company job postings, collective-bargaining agreements where applicable, and recruiter or company career information rather than assuming one national salary applies to every airline.
Cargo Airline Mechanic Salary
BLS reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $90,190 for aircraft mechanics and service technicians working in couriers and express delivery services.
Individual cargo employers can pay above or below that figure depending on aircraft, location, seniority, schedule, overtime, and employer pay structure.
Aerospace Manufacturing Salary
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians working in aerospace product and parts manufacturing had a May 2025 median annual wage of $82,720.
Manufacturing roles may involve production aircraft, quality, systems testing, inspection, modification, repair, or other technical work depending on the employer.
MRO and Aviation Support Salary
BLS reports a May 2025 median of $72,910 for aircraft mechanics and service technicians in support activities for air transportation.
Individual MROs, repair stations, and support employers may pay above or below that median depending on market, aircraft, specialty, experience, location, schedule, and employer.
Avionics Technician Salary vs. Aircraft Mechanic Salary
Aircraft mechanic and avionics technician wages are close nationally, but the occupations focus on different parts of aircraft maintenance.
| Career Path | May 2025 Median Annual Wage | Typical Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic / Service Technician | $79,870 | Aircraft systems, structures, engines, landing gear, brakes, inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, and records. |
| Avionics Technician | $82,280 | Aircraft electronics, communications, navigation, radar, instruments, wiring, and electronic troubleshooting. |
| Combined aircraft + avionics occupation | $80,180 | BLS combined-category median. |
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Students interested in aircraft electronics can also review US Aviation Academy’s aviation avionics training information after understanding the core A&P pathway.
Aircraft Mechanic Job Outlook: 2025–2035
Salary should also be viewed alongside occupational demand.
| Occupation | Projected Growth, 2025–2035 | Employment Context |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft mechanics and service technicians | 5% | 140,000 jobs in 2025; 147,600 projected in 2035. |
| Avionics technicians | 9% | 19,800 jobs in 2025; 21,600 projected in 2035. |
| Aircraft + avionics combined | 6% | About 13,100 openings projected each year across the combined occupation. |
| All occupations | 3% | Aircraft and avionics maintenance is projected to grow faster than the overall economy. |
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For a deeper discussion of workforce demand, see the Aircraft Mechanic Demand and Shortage Guide .
Aircraft Mechanic Salary by State and Location
Aircraft mechanic wages vary by state and metro area. Major airline hubs, cargo centers, aerospace manufacturing regions, military aviation markets, and areas with large maintenance organizations can offer different wage and employment conditions.
A higher nominal wage does not automatically mean better financial value. Students should also compare:
- housing costs;
- commuting;
- taxes;
- employer concentration;
- overtime availability;
- benefits;
- career mobility; and
- cost of living.
Aircraft Mechanic Career Markets in Texas
Texas includes major aviation markets such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Central Texas. Salary and hiring conditions vary by employer and metro area.
US Aviation Academy supports A&P training in Texas through locations including Denton and San Marcos.
Aircraft Mechanic Career Markets in Georgia
Georgia’s aviation market includes commercial airline, cargo, maintenance, manufacturing, general aviation, and airport-support employers. Pay varies by role and employer.
Students researching the Atlanta market can review A&P mechanic training in Atlanta .
Aircraft Mechanic Career Markets in Minnesota
Minneapolis and the Upper Midwest include airline, cargo, corporate, general aviation, and maintenance employers. Students should compare wages with local cost of living and schedule requirements.
US Aviation Academy offers A&P mechanic training in Minneapolis .
Aircraft Mechanic Career Markets in Florida
Florida has a large aviation footprint that includes passenger airlines, general aviation, flight training, repair stations, corporate aviation, and other maintenance employers.
Students can review aircraft mechanic training in Kissimmee when comparing Central Florida training options.
What Extra Pay and Benefits Can Aircraft Mechanics Receive?
Base wages are only part of total compensation. Depending on the employer, mechanics may receive additional compensation or benefits.
Overtime
Additional hours can raise annual earnings above base compensation.
Shift Differentials
Some employers pay premiums for nights, weekends, holidays, or hard-to-staff shifts.
License Premiums
Some employers provide additional compensation based on FAA ratings or other qualifications.
Lead or Inspection Pay
Additional technical or supervisory responsibility may come with different compensation.
Travel Benefits
Airline employers may offer travel privileges as part of total compensation.
Training Support
Employer-paid or employer-provided technical training can add career value beyond wages.
Is an A&P Certificate Worth It for Salary Growth?
Whether A&P training is worth the investment depends on the student’s cost, financing, career goals, ability to complete training and certification, employer opportunities, location, and preferred work environment.
The national wage data shows that aircraft maintenance can provide substantial earning potential, but an FAA mechanic certificate does not guarantee a specific salary or job.
| Decision Factor | What to Compare |
|---|---|
| Training cost | Tuition, tools, supplies, housing, transportation, testing, and financing. |
| Training duration | How the program schedule fits your ability to enter the workforce. |
| National wage benchmark | $79,870 median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians in May 2025. |
| Industry choice | Air transportation, cargo/express, aerospace manufacturing, support activities, government, MRO, or general aviation. |
| Location | Local wage levels, employer availability, cost of living, commuting, and relocation needs. |
| Career development | Technical experience, inspection responsibilities, avionics knowledge, specialty work, and leadership. |
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Before choosing a program, compare aircraft mechanic school cost, aircraft mechanic training duration, and aircraft maintenance financing.
How to Increase Your Aircraft Mechanic Earning Potential
No single step guarantees higher pay, but several career choices can affect the range of jobs available to an aircraft mechanic.
| Career Move | Why It Can Matter |
|---|---|
| Build technical experience | Broader troubleshooting and systems knowledge can support more advanced maintenance assignments. |
| Consider higher-paying industries | BLS data shows meaningful wage differences among air transportation, express delivery, manufacturing, government, and aviation support industries. |
| Add avionics knowledge | Modern aircraft depend heavily on electronic and digital systems, and avionics technicians have a $82,280 national median wage. |
| Develop inspection experience | Qualified mechanics may pursue inspection-focused or higher-responsibility maintenance positions. |
| Consider location | Major hubs, cargo centers, manufacturing regions, and MRO markets can have different opportunities and wage levels. |
| Develop leadership skills | Lead, supervisor, and management roles add responsibilities beyond frontline mechanic work. |
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Start Building Toward an Aircraft Mechanic Career
Compare current salary data with A&P training requirements, program cost, financing, location, and the aviation maintenance employers you may want to pursue.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary FAQs
How much do aircraft mechanics make?
BLS reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $79,870 and a mean annual wage of $84,740 for aircraft mechanics and service technicians. The median hourly wage was $38.40.
How much does an A&P mechanic make?
BLS does not publish a separate national wage category only for mechanics holding both Airframe and Powerplant ratings. The broader aircraft mechanics and service technicians occupation had a May 2025 median annual wage of $79,870. Individual A&P pay varies by employer, location, experience, schedule, overtime, and responsibilities.
What is the entry-level aircraft mechanic salary?
BLS does not publish one national starting salary for newly certificated aircraft mechanics. The lowest 10% of aircraft mechanics and service technicians earned less than $48,780 in May 2025, but that figure is a wage-distribution benchmark rather than a standard starting salary.
How much do airline mechanics make?
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians working in air transportation had a May 2025 median annual wage of $96,170. Individual airline mechanic pay varies by carrier, location, seniority, shift, overtime, premiums, and employer pay scale.
Do aircraft mechanics make good money?
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians had a May 2025 median annual wage of $79,870, compared with $50,980 for all occupations. Whether that compensation is attractive depends on the individual’s location, training cost, schedule, employer, benefits, overtime, and career goals.
What states pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Aircraft mechanic wages vary by state and metro area. Students should compare current BLS state and area wage data together with cost of living, employer concentration, housing, overtime opportunities, and long-term job availability.
Can aircraft mechanics make over $100,000?
Yes. BLS reports that the highest 10% of aircraft mechanics and service technicians earned more than $128,890 in May 2025. This does not mean every experienced mechanic will reach that level; compensation depends on employer, location, experience, schedule, overtime, and responsibilities.
Is an A&P certificate worth it?
Whether A&P training is worth the investment depends on training cost, financing, career goals, completion of FAA certification requirements, local employer opportunities, and individual circumstances. The FAA certificate does not guarantee employment or a specific wage.
How long does it take to become an aircraft mechanic?
The timeline depends on the FAA eligibility route and training schedule. Students using an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School complete the school’s approved curriculum before completing the applicable FAA testing and certification process.
What can increase an aircraft mechanic salary?
Compensation can be affected by experience, employer industry, seniority, location, overtime, night or weekend shifts, inspection responsibilities, avionics knowledge, specialized aircraft experience, and lead or supervisory duties.
What is the difference between aircraft mechanic salary and aviation mechanic salary?
The terms often refer to overlapping aviation maintenance work. Pay depends more on the actual employer, FAA ratings, duties, aircraft, experience, location, and schedule than on whether an employer uses the title aircraft mechanic, aviation mechanic, AMT, or technician.
Is aircraft mechanic pay hourly or salary?
Many aircraft mechanic jobs are paid hourly. BLS reports a May 2025 national median hourly wage of $38.40 for aircraft mechanics and service technicians. Total annual earnings can also be affected by overtime, shift differentials, premiums, and benefits.
Does avionics training help aircraft mechanic salary?
Avionics knowledge can expand the technical work for which a mechanic may be competitive. BLS reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $82,280 for avionics technicians, compared with $79,870 for aircraft mechanics and service technicians.
How much do avionics technicians make?
The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $82,280 for avionics technicians. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,410 and the highest 10% earned more than $113,680.
Are Delta, American, Southwest, United, FedEx and UPS aircraft mechanic pay scales the same?
No. Employer pay scales vary by company, contract or policy, location, seniority, title, shift, license premiums, overtime, and other compensation rules. Current company job postings and labor agreements should be used when comparing specific employers.
Where should I start if I want an aircraft mechanic career?
Start by reviewing the A&P mechanic program, aircraft mechanic requirements, aircraft mechanic training duration, and aircraft mechanic school cost.