How Much Money Do Aircraft Mechanics Make?
Aircraft mechanics, also known as aviation maintenance technicians, are responsible for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft by performing routine maintenance, repairs, and overhauls. With a high demand for skilled workers in this field, aircraft mechanics can expect a rewarding career with competitive salaries.
Direct Answer:
The salary of aircraft mechanics varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for aircraft mechanics in the United States was $62,920 in May 2020.
Types of Aircraft Mechanics and Salaries:
There are several types of aircraft mechanics, each with their own salary range. Here are some examples:
- Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanics: These mechanics are responsible for performing routine maintenance and repairs on aircraft. They can earn a median salary of $63,000 per year, according to the BLS.
- Avionics Technicians: Avionics technicians specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining aircraft electronic systems. They can earn a median salary of $56,000 per year, according to the BLS.
- Commercial Aircraft Mechanics: Mechanics working on commercial aircraft, such as those operated by airlines, can earn a median salary of $65,000 per year, according to the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA).
- Business Aircraft Mechanics: Mechanics working on business aircraft, such as those used for corporate or private travel, can earn a median salary of $60,000 per year, according to the National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA).
Salary Range by Experience:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): $45,000 – $55,000 per year
- Mid-Level (2-5 years): $55,000 – $65,000 per year
- Experienced (5-10 years): $65,000 – $75,000 per year
- Senior (10+ years): $75,000 – $85,000 per year
Salary Range by Location:
- Urban areas: $60,000 – $80,000 per year
- Rural areas: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
- Major airports: $65,000 – $85,000 per year
Benefits and Perks:
- Medical and dental insurance: Many employers offer medical and dental insurance to their aircraft mechanics.
- Paid vacation and holidays: Aircraft mechanics typically receive paid vacation and holidays.
- Bonuses and overtime: Mechanics may receive bonuses or overtime pay for working on weekends or holidays.
- Professional development opportunities: Employers may offer training and professional development opportunities to help mechanics advance in their careers.
Conclusion:
Aircraft mechanics play a critical role in ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. With a median salary of $62,920 per year, according to the BLS, aircraft mechanics can expect a rewarding career with competitive pay. Salaries vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and employer, but with benefits and perks like medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and professional development opportunities, becoming an aircraft mechanic can be a great career choice.
Table: Salary Range by Experience and Location
| Experience | Urban Areas | Rural Areas | Major Airports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $45,000 – $55,000 | $40,000 – $50,000 | $50,000 – $60,000 |
| Mid-Level (2-5 years) | $55,000 – $65,000 | $50,000 – $60,000 | $65,000 – $75,000 |
| Experienced (5-10 years) | $65,000 – $75,000 | $60,000 – $70,000 | $75,000 – $85,000 |
| Senior (10+ years) | $75,000 – $85,000 | $70,000 – $80,000 | $85,000 – $95,000 |
Bullets List:
- Aircraft mechanics can earn a median salary of $62,920 per year, according to the BLS.
- Salaries vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and employer.
- Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics can earn a median salary of $63,000 per year.
- Avionics technicians can earn a median salary of $56,000 per year.
- Commercial aircraft mechanics can earn a median salary of $65,000 per year.
- Business aircraft mechanics can earn a median salary of $60,000 per year.
- Entry-level mechanics can earn $45,000 – $55,000 per year.
- Mid-level mechanics can earn $55,000 – $65,000 per year.
- Experienced mechanics can earn $65,000 – $75,000 per year.
- Senior mechanics can earn $75,000 – $85,000 per year.
- Mechanics working in urban areas can earn $60,000 – $80,000 per year.
- Mechanics working in rural areas can earn $50,000 – $70,000 per year.
- Mechanics working at major airports can earn $65,000 – $85,000 per year.
