How Much is an Aircraft Mechanic Salary?

Aircraft Mechanic Salary Information

If you’re thinking about enrolling in aircraft mechanic school, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the main questions we are asked is about aircraft mechanic salary. Before you invest in your education, you want to make sure your career pays a good wage. Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT) and Aircraft & Powerplant (A&P) mechanics are in high demand and earn a good living. Also, your aircraft mechanic training can be used in a variety of career fields. For instance, each day there are 1,000 to 2,000 job openings requiring these mechanical skills.

Whether you’re working on Boeing landing gear for FedEx or the avionics of a privately owned Gulfstream or applying for a mechanic job at UPS, rest assured there is a wide variety of job openings. Airplane mechanics are in high demand. From British Airways to Qantas to Virgin, the need for aircraft mechanics has never been higher. Aircraft mechanic training can also serve as the basis for other careers, such as flight engineer.

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How much do A&P mechanics earn?

The pay for AMTs / A&P mechanics, like pilot salaries, varies according to experience, ability, location, etc. Most importantly, the annual salary for aircraft mechanics ranges from $35,000 to $110,000. Also, hourly rates range from $20 to $50 per hour. For example, GE Aviation offers $31 per hour to start. As a result, the average annual median salary for aircraft mechanics is $73,050.

“A short answer to how much aircraft mechanics are paid is $73,050 median annual salary. Keep reading to learn about enrolling for this rewarding career.”

Average Aircraft Mechanic Salary

How much is starting pay for aircraft mechanics?

Depending on location, there is a range in starting pay. States like Texas and Florida tend to start higher, because they have a high demand. However, most aircraft mechanics and technicians start at around $20 to $25 per hour. Most salaries are paid weekly, although some companies pay monthly. Research this when you apply for a job.

What is the top pay for aircraft mechanics and technicians?

Head mechanics and jet mechanics earn in excess of $100,000. Due to the high demand in the U.S. and around the world, these positions pay a premium. Above all, in just 19 months of classes, you will be ready to earn. The highest paying aircraft mechanic jobs await!

Have wages increased over the years for aircraft mechanics?

Yes, as with other aviation-related careers, AMTs and A&P mechanics have seen a steady rise in salaries. In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor reported a median annual wage for aircraft mechanics of $70,010. This is $5,834 per month.

What kind of hours do aircraft mechanics work?

Aircraft mechanics and technicians work 8 hour shifts. There are regular opportunities for overtime and additional weekend hours. With signing bonuses and overtime, mechanic salaries offer great potential.

How much does a jet mechanic earn?

Aircraft mechanics who work on jets earn an average salary of $86,030. The range of pay starts at $74,960 and exceeds $100,000 depending on experience, licenses, airline, etc. All jet mechanics are first certified as AMTs or A&P mechanics.

What kinds of employee benefits can I expect as an aircraft mechanic?

Aircraft mechanics are in high demand and can expect to earn good wages along with generous benefits. For instance, benefits include healthcare insurance, paid vacation, sick time, retirement, and other paid time off. Also, aircraft technicians frequently have the opportunity to earn overtime pay if they choose. Depending on your employer, you may also be eligible for flight benefits.

Do aircraft mechanics ever receive signing bonuses?

Yes, the practice of offering signing bonuses to AMTs and A&P mechanics is becoming more commonplace among airlines. Typical signing bonuses range from $5,000 to $15,000. Many airlines even offer to pay relocating expenses. CommuteAir, for instance, pays $5,000 to $7,500 as a signing bonus.

Epic Aviation Maintenance Technican
Interested in becoming an aircraft mechanic? Epic’s Aviation Maintenance Technician School launched in 2020. This is a great career choice, and you can reserve your seat now!

Want to watch our 3-minute video on aircraft mechanic salaries?

What other questions should I be asking about becoming an aircraft mechanic?

We have compiled the most frequently asked questions on this topic, because you need to make an informed decision. Your future depends on your education and career choices. Also, we constantly update these questions to provide you with current information. Of course, the most important question of all is: How do I become an FAA-certified A&P aircraft mechanic?

Are scholarships available for aircraft mechanics?

Epic awards annual scholarships to graduating high school seniors for our aircraft mechanics program. If you are not a high school senior. you may still receive scholarship assistance. For example, when you apply for Aircraft Mechanic training, you can also apply for a $5,000 scholarship to help offset tuition. Also, numerous organizations offer aviation scholarships. Additionally, Women in Aviation International awards a $20,000 Epic scholarship annually as do the Latino Pilots Association, the National Gay Pilots Association, and and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals. The Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM) also offers scholarships. Furthermore, some foundations offer scholarships to support this training.

Do GI Bill benefits® apply?

Yes. Epic Flight Academy’s Aircraft Mechanic Program is approved for Veterans Training. You worked hard for these benefits, and we are happy to honor them.

Can I use my aircraft mechanic training in other career fields?

Danny Perna Aircraft Mechanic
Epic founder and CEO Danny Perna began his aviation career as an aircraft mechanic.

Yes! Aircraft mechanics are frequently employed in related fields. For instance, theme park ride maintenance, aerospace industry, and space launches depend on A&Ps. Many mechanics who trained in the Air Force find exciting jobs after exiting the military. The skills you learn in becoming an aircraft mechanic will transfer to high-paying entry level careers in many fields.

A typical job description may include engine repair along with helicopter and plane equipment maintenance. Above all, Epic Flight Academy maintains aircraft mechanic partnerships to provide multiple opportunities for our graduates. Certainly, these skills are highly sought after both in the U.S. and abroad.

  • Flying Magazine (Jan. 4, 2024) – Top Aircraft Maintenance Trends for 2024
  • Business Insider (June 27, 2023) – United hiring 7,000 mechanics amid a shortage that could impact operations
  • AP News (June 1, 2023) – Know any airline mechanics? A wave of retirements is leaving some US industries desperate to hire
  • NBC 26 (April 20, 2023) – Now Hiring: The perks, pay for an airplane mechanic
  • Aviation Week (March 30, 2023) – Mechanic pay accelerating, will more work go off-shore?
  • Reuters (July 15, 2022) – Aviation sector is facing a severe mechanic shortage.
  • Travel Weekly (Jan. 25, 2022) – Aircraft mechanic shortage could hamper airline operations; FEAM paying signing bonuses
  • WKBN News (Nov. 4, 2021) – Aviation maintenance technicians in high demand
  • Aviation24 (Jun. 29, 2021) – United Airlines’ 9,000+ aircraft mechanics earned more than $140,000 annually in combined wages and benefits.
  • CNBC (Apr. 3, 2021) – On the job: What it takes to make $55,000 as an airplane mechanic in North Carolina
  • Dallas News (Jan. 31, 2020) – American Airlines’ new contract proposal for mechanics includes 4-18% pay raises. Additionally, it increases in profit-sharing, and increased retirement contributions.
  • WWLTV (Jan. 19, 2020) – AAS announces 60 new aviation maintenance jobs at Shreveport airport. Furthermore, the average annual salary is reported at $49,600 plus benefits.
  • Eagle Country (Jan. 16, 2020) – FEAM Aero creates 100 high-paying aircraft maintenance jobs in northern Kentucky. Average salaries are $70,000.
  • WMBB (Jan. 2020) – There is a critical shortage of airframe mechanics nationwide. As a result, there has been an increase in salaries.
  • Fox Business (Nov. 21, 2019) – The aircraft mechanic shortage means high-paying jobs are up for grabs.
  • Atlanta Journal-Constitution (April 17, 2019) – Delta plans to hire 500 aircraft mechanics. Additionally, they report salaries up to $100,000 annually.

How do I become an aircraft mechanic?

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