The Ultimate Guide to Aircraft Mechanic Salary
If you’re interested in a career as an aircraft mechanic, one of the first things you’re likely wondering about is how much money you can expect to make. As with any profession, the salary for aircraft mechanics can vary widely depending on a range of factors, including experience, location, and employer. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into aircraft mechanic salary, exploring what you can expect to earn in this exciting field.
Average Aircraft Mechanic Salary:
First, let’s start with the basics: what is the average salary for an aircraft mechanic? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $64,090 as of May 2020. This means that half of all aircraft mechanics earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
Factors that Affect Aircraft Mechanic Salary:
While the BLS figure gives us a good starting point, it’s important to remember that there are many factors that can impact an aircraft mechanic’s salary. Here are some of the most significant factors to consider:
- Experience: As with any profession, aircraft mechanic salaries tend to increase with experience. According to PayScale, the average salary for an aircraft mechanic with less than one year of experience is $43,000, while those with 20 or more years of experience can earn an average of $78,000 per year.
- Location: Where you work can also play a major role in your earning potential as an aircraft mechanic. For example, according to the BLS, the top-paying states for aircraft mechanics as of May 2020 were Alaska ($80,920), Nevada ($80,540), and Connecticut ($78,660).
- Industry: The industry you work in can also impact your salary. For example, aircraft mechanics who work in aerospace product and parts manufacturing tend to earn higher salaries than those who work in maintenance and repair.
- Employer: Finally, the employer you work for can also impact your earning potential. Large airlines and aerospace companies tend to offer higher salaries than smaller, regional carriers.
Job Outlook for Aircraft Mechanics:
In addition to salary, it’s also important to consider the job outlook for aircraft mechanics. According to the BLS, employment of aircraft mechanics and service technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the need for repairs and maintenance on aging aircraft, as well as an increase in air travel overall.
FAQs:
- What education do I need to become an aircraft mechanic?
Most aircraft mechanics have either a certificate or an associate’s degree in aviation maintenance technology. These programs typically take between 12 and 24 months to complete.
- Is it difficult to find a job as an aircraft mechanic?
While the job outlook for aircraft mechanics is generally positive, competition for positions can be fierce. To increase your chances of finding a job, consider gaining additional certifications or specializing in a specific type of aircraft.
- What are some of the biggest challenges facing aircraft mechanics?
Aircraft mechanics must work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, often with tight deadlines and high stakes. They must also be able to work with precision and attention to detail, as even a small mistake can have serious consequences.
Sure, here are some sources used in this article:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm
- PayScale. (n.d.). Aircraft Mechanic Salary. https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Aircraft_Mechanic_%2F_Service_Technician/Salary
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm#tab-6
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance. (n.d.). How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic. https://www.aviationmaintenance.edu/blog/how-to-become-an-aircraft-mechanic/
- Forbes. (2021). How Much Do Aircraft Mechanics Make? https://www.forbes.com/sites/johngoglia/2021/04/19/how-much-do-aircraft-mechanics-make/?sh=1af8a8c22bbd
- AviationPros. (2019). Challenges in Aviation Maintenance. https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/maintenance-providers/article/21087828/challenges-in-aviation-maintenance
- Aerospace Manufacturing and Design. (2019). The Highest-Paying States for Aircraft Mechanics. https://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/article/the-highest-paying-states-for-aircraft-mechanics-011319/