Airplane mechanics are highly skilled tradespeople that inspect, service, maintain and repair aircraft engines and components. It is essential for the aviation sector that they possess the particular expertise necessary to maintain the safety and functionality of aircraft. For individuals who have a strong interest in aviation and mechanical systems, becoming an aircraft mechanic can be an excellent choice for profession.
The topic of how much money an aviation mechanic makes on average each year is an important one to take into consideration here. The purpose of this article is to throw light on the earning possibilities for aviation mechanics by providing an overview of average wage ranges, factors that effect earnings, job outlook, and opportunities for promotion.
Airplane mechanics Average Salary:
According to information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2023, the average yearly pay for aviation mechanics in the United States is $79,040. It is possible for entry-level mechanics to begin their careers earning between $40,000 and $50,000 annually. At the senior mechanic level, pay can reach up to $100,000 annually or greater if the individual has more experience and certifications.
Because of factors such as employer, geography, education level, and other qualities, specific pay might vary quite a deal from one another.
In general, most aircraft mechanic salaries fall somewhere within these ranges across career levels:
- Entry-Level: $30,000 – $50,000
- Mid-Level: $50,000 – $75,000
- Senior-Level: $75,000 – $100,000+
Bonuses and overtime may boost total compensation above base salaries. Additionally, employer and military benefits packages can add substantially to overall earnings.
Airplane mechanics Top Paying Industries:
The highest paying industry for aircraft mechanics is scheduled air transportation, which includes commercial airlines. An average annual salary of approximately $80,000 is possible for mechanics in this region. This sector is closely followed by the aerospace product and parts manufacturing sector, which offers an annual pay of around $77,000 on average.
Mechanical workers who are employed in the executive branch of the federal government receive an average total salary of more than $98,000 per year. Positions with the federal government often come with generous compensation packages.
Location Impacts on Earnings:
A key impact on earning potential is the location of an aviation mechanic’s place of employment. Because of the high demand for mechanics, states such as Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii have some of the highest incomes in the country. This is in part due to the fact that these states have vibrant commercial aviation hubs and busy airports.
It is also common for large metropolitan locations to pay mechanics that are more than those in rural places. Additionally, taking on work overseas in countries such as Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, or Australia can result in significantly larger tax-free salaries; however, it is likely that these positions will involve provisions such as limited housing stipends and contracted employment lengths such as one or two years.
Airplane mechanics Job Outlook:
The job outlook for aircraft mechanics is very strong. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, the number of aircraft mechanic jobs is forecasted to grow by 7% between 2020 and 2030, keeping pace with average job growth across all occupations.
An aging workforce coupled with many mechanics starting to retire is expected to produce abundant job openings, especially for those formally trained and certified. Enhanced technologies on modern planes may temper job growth somewhat but mechanics will still be very essential for routine maintenance, inspections and fulfilling strict FAA safety regulations.
Getting Certified:
There are two major certifications aircraft mechanics can obtain that significantly boost their job prospects and earning abilities – the FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, along with separate inspection authorization (IA) certification.
Current regulations require mechanics who sign off on major repairs and annual inspections to hold a mechanic certificate with inspection authorization. Investing the time and effort to get certified can really pay off with higher salaries over $35 per hour or $75,000+ annually based on experience levels.
Advancement Opportunities:
There are a number of different career growth opportunities available to aviation mechanics, provided that they have years of strong experience and continue to receive training. Certain individuals progress to positions like lead mechanic or shop supervisor, which are centered on the management of teams rather than turning wrenches themselves.
There is also the possibility that senior mechanics will decide to specialize in particular aircraft types or systems, such as hydraulics, avionics, or composites. These are all areas of expertise that often generate greater salaries. Furthermore, as a result of their skills, airplane mechanics have the opportunity to transition into related professions such as mechanic trainer, quality control inspector, technical writer, or air traffic controller inspector.
Conclusion on Airplane mechanics salary
Aircraft mechanics can earn strong salaries that compare well relative to other tradespeople. Average pay is nearly $70,000 but top earners make over six figures, especially those with FAA certification and specialized experience. Commercial airlines offer premium compensation but mechanics find reliable job opportunities across aviation industries. With air travel projected to grow over coming decades, the job outlook remains bright for airplane mechanics to build satisfying, high paying careers.
