How much does an aviation technician make?

How Much Does an Aviation Technician Make?

Aviation technicians, also known as aircraft mechanics or airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians, play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. As the demand for skilled aviation technicians continues to rise, many are wondering what the average salary is for these professionals. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed answer to the question of how much an aviation technician makes.

Entry-Level Salaries

**Median Entry-Level Salary:** **$35,000 – $50,000 per year**

The median entry-level salary for an aviation technician in the United States is between $35,000 and $50,000 per year. This can vary depending on factors such as location, employer, and industry segment. Here’s a breakdown of entry-level salaries in different segments:

• Commercial airlines: $35,000 – $45,000 per year
• General aviation: $30,000 – $40,000 per year
• Military: $32,000 – $43,000 per year (Basic Military Pay)
• FBO (Fixed Base Operator): $30,000 – $45,000 per year
• Flight school: $25,000 – $35,000 per year

Experience and Seniority

**Salaries by Experience Level:**

As an aviation technician gains experience and seniority, their salary tends to increase. Here are some average salary ranges by experience level:

• 1-2 years: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
• 2-5 years: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
• 5-10 years: $60,000 – $85,000 per year
• 10+ years: $75,000 – $100,000 per year

Industry Segments and Salary Ranges

**Average Salaries by Industry Segment:**

The aviation industry is diverse, and salaries can vary depending on the segment. Here are some average salary ranges by industry segment:

• Commercial airlines:

• Boeing (747, 767, 777, 787): $55,000 – $85,000 per year
• Airbus (A320, A330, A350, A380): $50,000 – $80,000 per year
• Other commercial airlines: $40,000 – $65,000 per year
  • General aviation:
• Jet engines: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
• Turboprops: $35,000 – $55,000 per year
• Piston engines: $30,000 – $45,000 per year
  • FBO (Fixed Base Operator):
• Management roles: $60,000 – $90,000 per year
• Senior mechanic roles: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
• Entry-level mechanic roles: $25,000 – $40,000 per year

Certifications and Qualifications

**Certifications and Qualifications Affect Salary:**

FAR Part 66 Licensed technicians can command higher salaries than non-certified technicians. Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certification, as well as other specialized certifications (e.g., inspection authorization, inspection acceptance, etc.), can also impact salary.

• FAR Part 66 Licensed: 5-10% salary increase
• Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certification: 2-5% salary increase
• Other specialized certifications: 1-3% salary increase

Geographic Location

**Salary Differentials by Geographic Location:**

Salaries can vary significantly depending on the location. Major metropolitan areas, for example, tend to have higher salaries than rural areas. Here’s a rough estimate of salary differentials by geographic location:

• Coastal regions (e.g., LA, NYC, SF): 10-20% higher salaries
• Major hubs (e.g., Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas): 5-10% higher salaries
• Mid-sized cities (e.g., Denver, Miami, Minneapolis): 0-5% salary variations
• Rural areas: 5-10% lower salaries

Conclusion

The answer to the question of how much an aviation technician makes depends on a range of factors, including location, industry segment, experience level, certifications, and qualifications. As we’ve seen, entry-level salaries typically range from $35,000 to $50,000 per year, with senior-level salaries potentially reaching $100,000 or more. Whether you’re just starting your career as an aviation technician or are looking to advance to a senior role, it’s essential to research and stay informed about salaries and career development opportunities in this rewarding and dynamic industry.

Table: Aviation Technician Salaries by Industry Segment

Note: Salaries are estimates and may vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and industry segment.