Aircraft mechanics play a vital role in keeping planes safely in the air, and some of the highest paid aircraft mechanic jobs offer excellent salaries and career opportunities.
If you have a passion for aviation and mechanical skills, becoming an aircraft mechanic could be a rewarding career path.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the highest paying aircraft mechanic roles and how to position yourself for success in this in-demand field.
The Salaries of Top Aircraft Mechanic Jobs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $65,640 as of May 2023.
However, certain roles and industries within aviation have the potential to push compensation much higher. Here are some stats on top-tier aircraft mechanic pay:
Commercial Aircraft Mechanics: Mechanics working for major airlines or commercial aviation companies typically earn the highest salaries. Experienced mechanics can earn over $100,000 annually at leading carriers like Delta, United, and American Airlines.
Military Aircraft Mechanics: Mechanics in the U.S. military also enjoy high pay. For instance, the average annual base pay for a master sergeant aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Air Force is around $60,000 with other benefits on top of that.
Executive/Private Jet Mechanics: Maintaining exclusive private and corporate jets is prestigious work that pays well. Experienced mechanics servicing luxury aircraft fleets can pull in $80,000-$120,000 per year depending on the employer and location.
Overseas Contract Mechanics: Some opportunities exist to work abroad on a contract basis, which often comes with high hourly wages or daily rates. Top overseas contractors in busy aviation hubs like Dubai or Singapore can make $150,000-$250,000 annually.
So in summary, jobs maintaining the largest commercial aircraft, military planes, or private/corporate jets – especially with major employers or overseas assignments – represent the highest earning potential in the field.
Get the Right Certifications & Training
Securing the proper certifications is critical for advancing in aviation mechanics and breaking into the highest paying jobs. Here are a few key credentials to focus your training on:
Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate: This is the basic FAA license that allows you to inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft. Most mechanic jobs require this certification as a minimum.
Type Ratings: Specific training and certification on aircraft like Boeing 737, Airbus A320, etc. Demonstrates expertise on in-demand commercial jet fleets.
Military Training: Programs like the Air Force’s aircraft maintenance apprenticeship develop skills for military aircraft. Transferable to defense contractor roles.
Advanced Manufacturing Credentials: Certifications in composites, avionics integration, systems design, etc. Valuable for supporting new technologies.
Invest in training from respected programs like A&P schools, manufacturer-specific technical colleges, or military technician schools. Supplement with online courses if needed. M
Leverage Experience With Major Operators
The most direct path to high-paying commercial aviation jobs is experience maintaining aircraft fleets for major airlines, charter carriers, or corporate flight departments. Here are strategies to get your foot in the door:
Apply for apprenticeship/trainee programs run by airlines seeking new talent like American, Delta Technical Operations, etc.
Pursue maintenance roles at key regional airlines feeding crew to majors like SkyWest, Republic, etc. Move up through internal transfer openings.
Contact businesses managing private/corporate jet fleets that need line technicians like NetJets, Magellan Jets, Signature Flight Support.
Build experience through fixed-base operators (FBOs) at busy airports serving private aviation. Transfer within to larger FBO networks.
Seek opportunities through engineering firms contracted to maintain airline fleets, like GE Aviation, Lufthansa Technik, or JSSI.
Major operators value longevity, so aim to spend 3-5 years with each before transferring upwards. Networking is important – maintain positive professional rapport along your career journey.
Consider Specialized Niches
While commercial airline mechanics represent a well-trodden path, some unique niches within aviation maintenance can also lead to outstanding pay:
Energy/Oil Industry: Operators like Bristow, PHI, and Era Group pay well for mechanics to service offshore oil rig aircraft.
Experimental/Custom Aircraft: Small boutique shops fabricating exotic planes provide stimulating work for the right candidates.
Military Contractor Field Service: Travel the world and earn six-figure salaries maintaining military aircraft for companies supporting active operations.
Managerial Roles: As experience grows, opportunities open to oversee teams, complete projects, and get promoted into higher-paying supervision/administration jobs.
Tap niche communities online and in-person through organizations like EAA, WAI, and HAI to explore specialized opportunities off the beaten path in aviation maintenance. These can lead to memorable, well-compensated careers.
Relocation: Bigger Skies Mean Bigger Paychecks
Where you choose to build your aircraft mechanic career makes an important difference in earning potential. High cost-of-living regions with significant aviation industries tend to support above-average wages. Consider relocating or transferring within your current company to one of these hotspot locations:
Major Commercial Hubs: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, etc. Home to global airline alliances seeking top talent.
Defense Industry Centers: Washington D.C., Dallas-Fort Worth, Seattle, Huntington Beach (CA), etc. Near Pentagon contracts and military bases. Private Aviation Meccas: Boston, Philadelphia, South Florida. Repair fleets servicing wealthy business elites.
International Markets: Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong. Overseas ops pay a serious premium, though require significant relocation commitment.
So in summary – while experience is king, optimizing your geographic location can help maximize earning potential as an aircraft mechanic within a major market. Be open to relocating as your career progresses.
Maintain Continuous Learning
The aircraft mechanic industry is constantly evolving through technical innovations, regulatory changes, and new fleet types coming online. Staying ahead of these shifts requires a commitment to continuous learning even late in your career:
Attend aviation maintenance and safety seminars/expos to improve skills annually. Consider pursuing an aircraft maintenance engineering degree part-time for managerial career progression. Keep FAA certificates and type ratings current through ongoing training requirements.
Use educational benefits from employers to cross-train into related specialties like avionics or composites. Learn new software/systems through online courses as aircraft become more digitized. Volunteer to work on experimental/cutting-edge aircraft for hands-on experience
By maintaining a growth mindset and seizing opportunities to expand your knowledge base, you can remain in high demand among top aviation employers for highly compensated roles well into the future.
Final Thoughts on High Paying Aircraft Mechanic Jobs
With wages up to $100,000 or above available in the right roles and industries, becoming an aircraft mechanic represents a promising pathway.
Specializing maintenance skills on in-demand aircraft, seeking experience with major operators, considering niche opportunities, optimizing your location, and committing to ongoing learning are some of the best tactics for positioning your career towards the highest paying aircraft mechanic jobs over time.
Proper planning, perseverance, and passion for aviation can lead to both financially and personally fulfilling careers keeping planes in the sky.