Aircraft Mechanic Careers & Salary Information
Aircraft mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair airplanes and helicopters. The trade requires FAA certification and attention to detail, but the pay is strong and the work is recession-resistant thanks to mandatory maintenance schedules.
National Salary Overview
Aircraft Mechanic Specialties
Aircraft Mechanics can specialize in different areas, each with its own pay scale and career path.
Airframe Mechanic
Inspects, repairs, and maintains aircraft structures including fuselage, wings, and landing gear. Requires FAA Airframe rating.
Powerplant Mechanic
Works on aircraft engines, propellers, and related systems. The Powerplant rating combined with Airframe makes you an A&P mechanic.
Avionics Technician
Installs and repairs electronic systems on aircraft including navigation, communication, and flight management computers. Growing specialty as aircraft become more electronic.
Helicopter Mechanic
Specializes in rotorcraft maintenance for EMS, oil and gas, military, and charter operations. Fewer mechanics means strong demand and above-average pay.
Explore Aircraft Mechanic Topics
Aircraft Mechanic Salary by State
Click any state to see detailed salary data, top-paying cities, and union vs. non-union breakdowns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Aircraft Mechanic salaries in the United States vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level aircraft mechanics typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level aircraft mechanics in the United States typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union aircraft mechanics earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified aircraft mechanic depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
Aircraft Mechanic work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The national job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified aircraft mechanics have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a aircraft mechanic's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.