An aircraft maintenance technician (AMT – simply known as an aircraft mechanic) is a certified professional responsible for the airplane’s working order and safety.
Jobs in the aviation industry, including entry-level roles, often pay well. So, if you’re considering a career as a mechanic, you can always expect a competitive salary range. Keep reading to learn more about the aircraft mechanic wage!
In this article:
How Much Do Airplane Mechanics Make?
On average, aircraft mechanics in the United States earn around $33.49 an hour, based on 16,600 reported salaries. The number was last updated on 25 March 2024.
Now, let’s examine the cities, companies, and job positions that offer the highest average salary for aircraft mechanics. We’ve compiled all the information in a chart to make it easier to track and compare.
1. Top Companies
At AECOM, workers earn the highest hourly rate of $34.68, totaling an annual income of $72,137. PACCAR follows closely behind ($32.18 per hour), while Structure Group and Erickson offer comparable hourly rates of $31.89 and $31.77, respectively.
| Company | Hourly Rate | Yearly Salary |
| AECOM | $34.68 | $72,137 |
| PACCAR | $32.18 | $66,939 |
| Structure Group | $31.89 | $66,323 |
| Erickson | $31.77 | $66,087 |
| PAE | $31.72 | $65,976 |
| Elbit Systems of America | $31.24 | $64,985 |
| Pacific Architects and Engineers | $30.44 | $63,325 |
| ICONMA | $30.03 | $62,455 |
| Zenetex | $29.95 | $62,293 |
| AerSale | $29.73 | $61,847 |
| Surdex | $29.73 | $61,828 |
| Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings | $29.71 | $61,806 |
| Ishpi Information Technologies, Inc. (dba Ishpi) | $29.66 | $61,701 |
| TAD PGS | $29.59 | $61,537 |
| Lynden | $29.57 | $61,509 |
| HEICO | $29.56 | $61,475 |
| Hawthorne Global Aviation Services | $29.54 | $61,444 |
| M.I.T. International, Inc. | $29.22 | $60,769 |
| Techtronic Industries TTI | $29.18 | $60,701 |
| Boeing | $28.69 | $59,669 |
2. Top States
Aircraft mechanic salaries vary slightly across states. In New Jersey, these professionals earn the highest average hourly wage, $34.31.
Wyoming follows closely behind with an hourly rate of $34.06, and Wisconsin and Washington offer slightly lower airplane mechanic wages ($33.61 and $33.53 per hour, respectively).
| State | Hourly Wage | Weekly Pay | Monthly Pay | Annual Salary |
| New Jersey | $34.31 | $1,372 | $5,947 | $71,365 |
| Wyoming | $34.06 | $1,362 | $5,903 | $70,847 |
| Wisconsin | $33.61 | $1,344 | $5,826 | $69,913 |
| Washington | $33.53 | $1,341 | $5,811 | $69,737 |
| Massachusetts | $33.38 | $1,335 | $5,785 | $69,425 |
| Indiana | $33.33 | $1,333 | $5,776 | $69,318 |
| Alaska | $33.32 | $1,332 | $5,776 | $69,315 |
| Oregon | $33.09 | $1,323 | $5,734 | $68,819 |
| North Dakota | $33.02 | $1,320 | $5,723 | $68,676 |
| Arizona | $32.64 | $1,305 | $5,657 | $67,885 |
| Hawaii | $32.37 | $1,294 | $5,611 | $67,334 |
3. Top City
Those working in San Jose, California, earn the highest hourly wage among the listed cities, at $41.37. In Oakland, CA, the hourly wage for aircraft mechanic jobs is slightly lower than in San Jose at $40.46. Hayward, CA is closely behind at $40.39.
| City | Hourly Wage | Weekly Pay | Monthly Pay | Annual Salary |
| San Jose, CA | $41.37 | $1,654 | $7,170 | $86,050 |
| Oakland, CA | $40.46 | $1,618 | $7,012 | $84,155 |
| Hayward, CA | $40.39 | $1,615 | $7,001 | $84,013 |
| Ashland, CA | $40.39 | $1,615 | $7,000 | $84,003 |
| Antioch, CA | $40.36 | $1,614 | $6,996 | $83,956 |
| Seattle, WA | $40.17 | $1,606 | $6,962 | $83,552 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $39.08 | $1,563 | $6,773 | $81,280 |
| Kenmore, WA | $39.07 | $1,562 | $6,772 | $81,264 |
| Seaside, CA | $39.00 | $1,560 | $6,760 | $81,128 |
4. Top Job Titles
Aviation Maintenance Technicians earn $24.90 per hour, while Light Wheel Mechanics receive $20.17 hourly. Systems Mechanics stand out with the highest wage (commanding $32.54).
These discrepancies in airplane mechanic salaries likely stem from differences in skill levels, job responsibilities, and specialized knowledge required for each position.
| Job Title | Job Openings | Hourly Rate | Monthly Salary | Annual Salary |
| Aviation Maintenance Technician | 102,259 | $24.90 | $4,316 | $51,794 |
| Systems Mechanic | 92,087 | $32.54 | $5,640 | $67,679 |
| Light Wheel Mechanic | 90,297 | $20.17 | $3,496 | $41,948 |
| Equipment Mechanic | 50,409 | $21.84 | $3,786 | $45,435 |
| Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic | 34,350 | $26.17 | $4,536 | $54,430 |
| Helicopter Mechanic | 33,954 | $29.75 | $5,156 | $61,876 |
5. Top Paying Industries
Within the government sector, aircraft mechanics command an hourly rate of $30.97 (the highest). Manufacturing industries offer a slightly lower wage, averaging $29.82 per hour, while those working in the professional sector have their hourly rate at $29.53.
| Industry | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
| Government | $30.97 | $64,412 |
| Manufacturing | $29.82 | $62,029 |
| Professional | $29.53 | $61,420 |
| Technology | $27.86 | $57,959 |
| Transportation | $27.14 | $56,459 |
6. Trends Over The Year
The aviation mechanic salary has shown an impressive upward trend over recent years. Starting at $26.34 per hour in 2020, the hourly rate climbed to $28.06 by 2023 with a notable 1.8% increase and is predicted to reach a new height in 2024. This steady progression suggests a favorable outlook for the job likely influenced by demand dynamics.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary | Change |
| 2023 | $28.06 | $58,400 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $27.54 | $57,300 | +3.0% |
| 2021 | $26.71 | $55,600 | +1.4% |
| 2020 | $26.34 | $54,800 | +3.0% |
Pros and Cons Of Being An Aircraft Mechanic
The plane mechanic salary is already quite rewarding, but there are other advantages to the job as well.
Pros
One of those perks is the evolving nature of the aviation industry, which means you can learn something new every day. This will keep you inspired and motivated in the long run! Trust us, there’s no better feeling than truly enjoying every moment of what you do (and earning lots of money from it).
Better yet, depending on your company’s policies, you might also have plenty of opportunities to travel for work and service aircraft in various places worldwide.
Cons
Unfortunately, some maintenance tasks are physically demanding, and you will find yourself working in awkward positions more often than not. Worst of all, the work environment can be noisy and dirty, sometimes even exposing you to harsh chemicals.
If all of these don’t sound promising to you (or you have a medical history), think twice before settling for this career path.
How To Train To Become An Airframe Mechanic
Choose either of these two main paths:
- FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS): This formal program provides classroom learning and hands-on training for 18 to 24 months to prepare you for the FAA certification exams.
- On-the-Job Training: Some companies offer training programs alongside work experience. It might take at least 30 months to qualify for the FAA exams.
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Conclusion
The jet mechanic’s salary is definitely one of the main reasons people are drawn to this job.
However, some physical challenges cannot and should not be underestimated. Consider the pros and cons, and feel free to contact us if you need advice.
