Aircraft Mechanic Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$79,000
national median salary
$62,000 to $95,000. Last updated July 2026.
Highest Paying
$110,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$83,000
Salt Lake City, UT
Lowest Paying
$60,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), state pay-transparency job postings, and community submissions. Most ranges are anchored to BLS OES occupation wage percentiles and placed by seniority level (entry near the 25th, mid at the median, senior at the 75th); a minority of emerging roles retain a modeled estimate where BLS has no matching series. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated July 2026. Baseline derived from BLS SOC 49-3011. Full methodology.
The average Aircraft Mechanic salary in the United States is $79,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $62,000 at the 25th percentile to $95,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $110,000, while Salt Lake City offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification is mandatory, and mechanics with Inspection Authorization (IA) earn 15 to 20% premiums.
Aircraft Mechanic salary by city.
Skills that increase Aircraft Mechanic pay.
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Aircraft Mechanics based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $11,060 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$11,060 per year
≈ +$10,270 per year
≈ +$9,480 per year
≈ +$8,690 per year
≈ +$8,690 per year
≈ +$7,900 per year
≈ +$7,900 per year
≈ +$7,110 per year
What you should know.
FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification is mandatory, and mechanics with Inspection Authorization (IA) earn 15 to 20% premiums. Specialization in turbine engines, avionics, or composite structures commands the highest rates. Airlines pay more than general aviation, while defense contractors offer the best total compensation for security-cleared mechanics.
A&P school graduates start at $42,000 to $52,000, advancing to experienced mechanic at $54,000 to $75,000 in three to four years. Lead mechanics and inspectors earn $78,000 to $95,000, while directors of maintenance at regional airlines or MRO facilities reach $100,000 to $140,000.
Airlines provide flight benefits worth $5,000 to $15,000 annually in personal travel value. Shift differentials for evening and overnight maintenance add 10 to 15%, and overtime during heavy maintenance checks can boost annual pay by $8,000 to $18,000.
Total compensation breakdown.
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote Aircraft Mechanics typically earn $71,000 (10% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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Common questions about Aircraft Mechanic pay.
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