How much does an aircraft mechanic make?
a year · about $38 an hour
A typical aircraft mechanic in the United States makes $79,870 a year, about $38 an hour, about 1.6× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
In a hangar or on an airfield, an aircraft mechanic checks instructions, finds faults, and fixes parts such as brakes or electrical systems. They test and inspect the work, then record each repair to help keep the plane safe to fly.
Did you know? Aircraft mechanics may use X-rays and magnetic tools to find tiny cracks hidden in an airplane’s wings, body, or tail.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $48,780 and $128,890How do you become one?
After high school, many attend an FAA-approved maintenance school; others gain supervised experience or train in the military. At 18 or older, they meet FAA experience rules and pass written, oral, and practical tests for an Airframe, Powerplant, or A&P certificate.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience and FAA certificates or extra inspection qualifications can help mechanics earn more. Pay also differs by employer and location, specialized tasks, and hours or shifts—aircraft work can include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New Jersey ($105,370), lowest in West Virginia ($45,470).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $48,780 | $79,870 | $128,890 | about 138,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $105,370 | about 2,000 |
| New York | $102,800 | about 4,000 |
| Maryland | $100,500 | about 1,000 |
| Washington | $98,980 | about 4,000 |
| Connecticut | $96,830 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Excludes “Avionics Technicians” (49-2091).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipm
- www.faa.gov/mechanics/become/faq
- www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/advisory_circular/ac65-30a.pdf
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/49-3011.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY