The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians in the United States is $73,940 (BLS, May 2025), with mechanics specializing in general aviation, corporate jets, and private aircraft earning $65,000-$95,000+. How much do airplane mechanics make depends on whether you work on commercial airliners, corporate jets, or small private aircraft, with general aviation mechanics earning competitive wages while enjoying more varied work.
How Much Do Airplane Mechanics Make? National Overview
The BLS reports the 140,000+ aircraft mechanics in the US earn a median of $73,940 per year. The bottom 10% earn around $42,000 (entry-level), while the top 10% exceed $100,000. The A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) certification is required for most mechanic positions. General aviation mechanics — those working on private and corporate aircraft — typically earn slightly less than their airline counterparts but enjoy more diverse work and regular schedules.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level / Apprentice | $42,000 – $52,000 | $20 – $25/hr |
| A&P Mechanic (1-3 yrs) | $52,000 – $68,000 | $25 – $33/hr |
| Experienced Mechanic (3-10 yrs) | $65,000 – $85,000 | $31 – $41/hr |
| Senior / Lead Mechanic | $80,000 – $100,000 | $38 – $48/hr |
| IA (Inspection Authorization) | $90,000 – $120,000+ | $43 – $58+/hr |
Airplane Mechanic Salary by Aviation Sector
| Sector | Median Salary | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|
| General Aviation (Private Aircraft) | $55,000 – $75,000 | Varied work, regular schedule |
| Corporate / Business Jets | $65,000 – $90,000 | High-end aircraft, luxury environment |
| Regional Airlines | $55,000 – $75,000 | Faster advancement to lead roles |
| Major Airlines | $78,000 – $110,000 | Union representation, travel perks |
| Cargo (FedEx, UPS, Amazon Air) | $85,000 – $120,000 | Highest pay, night shift differential |
| MRO (Maintenance Repair Overhaul) | $60,000 – $85,000 | Variety of aircraft types |
| Military Contractor | $70,000 – $100,000 | Clearance premium, overseas pay |
General Aviation vs Airline Mechanic Pay
| Factor | General Aviation | Major Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level pay | $42,000 – $52,000 | $55,000 – $70,000 |
| Top pay (senior) | $75,000 – $95,000 | $90,000 – $120,000+ |
| Work schedule | Weekdays, typical business hours | Rotating shifts, weekends, holidays |
| Union representation | Rare | Strong (AMFA, IAM, TWU) |
| Job variety | Multiple aircraft types daily | Same fleet type |
| Overtime | Moderate | Abundant (voluntary + mandatory) |
General aviation mechanics trade some income for lifestyle. While a corporate jet mechanic earns $65,000-$90,000 compared to a major airline mechanic at $78,000-$110,000+, they typically work Monday-Friday with no overnight shifts and get to work on a wide variety of aircraft from Cessnas to Gulfstreams.
Airplane Mechanic Salary by State
| State | Avg Salary | Major Aviation Employers |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $87,000 | Las Vegas airports, Nellis AFB |
| Washington | $85,000 | Boeing, Sea-Tac operators |
| Georgia | $79,000 | Delta Air Lines, Atlanta Hartsfield |
| California | $78,000 | LAX, SFO, Edwards AFB |
| Texas | $75,000 | DFW, IAH, American Airlines |
| Florida | $68,000 | Miami MROs, Orlando operators |
| Kentucky | $72,000 | UPS Worldport (CVG) |
A&P Certification Salary Impact
| Certification | Salary Premium | Time to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Airframe Only | Baseline | 18-24 months |
| Powerplant Only | Baseline | 18-24 months |
| A&P (Both) | +$8,000 – $12,000 | 18-30 months |
| A&P + IA (Inspection Authorization) | +$20,000 – $35,000 | 3 years exp + exam |
| A&P + FCC License | +$3,000 – $5,000 | Exam only |
How to Maximize Your Airplane Mechanic Salary
- Earn both Airframe and Powerplant certs. Holding only one limits job opportunities by 50% or more. A&P is the standard credential.
- Get your IA endorsement. Inspection Authorization adds $20,000-$35,000/year and requires only 3 years of experience plus an exam.
- Specialize in corporate/business jets. Gulfstream, Bombardier, and Dassault factory training commands premium wages in the corporate sector.
- Target cargo carriers. FedEx, UPS, and Amazon Air pay 15-25% more than passenger airlines for essentially the same work.
- Work night shift. Night shift differentials add 15-20% to base pay at most airlines and MRO facilities.
- Relocate to major hubs. Las Vegas, Seattle, and Atlanta offer the highest concentration of well-paying mechanic jobs across all aviation sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airplane mechanics make per year?
The median is $73,940 (BLS). Entry-level mechanics earn $42,000-$52,000, experienced A&P mechanics earn $65,000-$85,000, and IA-certified mechanics at cargo carriers earn $100,000-$120,000+.
Do airplane mechanics make good money?
Yes. At $73,940 median, airplane mechanics earn 54% more than the national median wage ($48,060). Corporate and cargo mechanics with IA endorsement earn $90,000-$120,000.
How long does it take to reach top pay as an airplane mechanic?
Most mechanics reach $70,000-$80,000 within 3-5 years after certification. Senior mechanics and IA holders reach $90,000-$120,000 after 8-10 years.
Is general aviation or airline maintenance better for pay?
Airlines pay more (especially cargo carriers), but general aviation offers better work-life balance and more varied work. Corporate jet maintenance offers the best compromise, with $65,000-$90,000 and mostly daytime hours.
