How Much Do American Airline Mechanics Make?

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Chief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

American airline mechanics play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of air travel. They are responsible for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of airplanes to ensure that they are in perfect working condition. However, while these professionals are essential to the aviation industry, many people wonder how much they make.

The salary of American airline mechanics varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, and the airline they work for. In this article, we will explore the different factors that affect the salary of airline mechanics and provide you with an in-depth understanding of how much these professionals make.

How Much Do American Airline Mechanics Make?

How Much Do American Airline Mechanics Make?

Are you interested in becoming an airline mechanic in the United States? One of the first questions you may have is how much money you can expect to make in this profession. In this article, we’ll explore the salary ranges for American airline mechanics and what factors can affect these earnings.

Salary Ranges for American Airline Mechanics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians in the United States was $64,090 as of May 2020. This means that half of all mechanics and technicians earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less. The lowest 10% of earners in this field made less than $38,520 per year, while the highest 10% earned more than $97,820 annually.

It’s worth noting that these figures are for all aircraft mechanics and service technicians, not just those who work for airlines. In general, airline mechanics tend to earn higher salaries than those who work for other types of employers in the aviation industry.

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Factors That Affect Airline Mechanic Salaries

Several factors can impact how much money an airline mechanic makes. Some of these include:

Experience: As with many professions, airline mechanics who have more experience tend to earn higher salaries. Mechanics who have been working in the field for several years and have a reputation for excellence may be able to command higher salaries than those who are just starting out.

Location: Salaries for airline mechanics can vary depending on where they work. Mechanics who work in cities with a high cost of living may earn more than those who work in more rural areas. Additionally, some states have higher average wages for this profession than others.

Employer: While airline mechanics in general tend to earn higher salaries than those who work for other types of aviation employers, there can still be variation in pay depending on the specific airline or company that employs them. Some airlines may offer higher salaries or more generous benefits packages than others.

Benefits of Being an Airline Mechanic

While salary is an important factor to consider when choosing a career, it’s not the only one. There are several benefits to working as an airline mechanic that may make this profession appealing. Some of these include:

Job security: As long as there are airplanes in the sky, there will be a need for airline mechanics. This can provide a sense of job security that may not exist in other professions that are more subject to economic fluctuations.

Opportunities for advancement: While the pay scale for airline mechanics may not be as steep as it is in some other professions, there are still opportunities for advancement and career growth. Mechanics who demonstrate a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety may be able to move up to supervisory or management roles within their company.

Interesting work: For those who are passionate about aviation, working as an airline mechanic can be an incredibly interesting and rewarding profession. Mechanics have the opportunity to work on complex machinery and solve challenging problems, which can be intellectually stimulating and satisfying.

Airline Mechanic Salaries: How They Compare to Other Professions

If you’re considering a career as an airline mechanic, you may be wondering how this profession stacks up in terms of earning potential compared to other jobs. Here’s a quick comparison:

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Airline mechanic: Median annual salary of $64,090 (BLS, May 2020)

Automotive mechanic: Median annual salary of $44,050 (BLS, May 2020)

Electrician: Median annual salary of $56,180 (BLS, May 2020)

Plumber: Median annual salary of $56,330 (BLS, May 2020)

As you can see, airline mechanics generally earn higher salaries than other types of mechanics, as well as some other skilled trades.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an airline mechanic in the United States, it’s important to understand what kind of salary you can expect to earn. While earnings can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer, the median annual wage for this profession is $64,090. Additionally, there are several benefits to working as an airline mechanic, including job security, career growth opportunities, and the chance to work on interesting and complex machinery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of an American airline mechanic?

An American airline mechanic is responsible for ensuring that the aircraft is safe to operate. They perform regular maintenance and repairs on aircraft engines, landing gear, and other components to ensure that they are functioning properly. They also inspect aircraft for any signs of damage or wear and repair or replace any faulty parts.

In addition to regular maintenance, American airline mechanics are required to troubleshoot and diagnose problems that may arise during flight. They must be knowledgeable about the various systems and components of the aircraft and be able to quickly identify and resolve any issues that may arise.

What education is required to become an American airline mechanic?

To become an American airline mechanic, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, most employers prefer to hire mechanics who have completed a formal training program. These programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, and some universities.

During the training program, students learn about aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting techniques. They also receive hands-on experience working with aircraft components and systems.

What is the salary range for American airline mechanics?

The salary range for American airline mechanics varies depending on the level of experience and the location of the job. On average, airline mechanics earn around $70,000 per year. However, those with more experience can earn upwards of $100,000 per year.

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In addition to their base salary, American airline mechanics may also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

What are the working conditions for American airline mechanics?

American airline mechanics work in a variety of environments, including hangars, repair shops, and on the tarmac. They may be required to work in hot or cold weather conditions and may need to work outside in inclement weather.

The work of an American airline mechanic can be physically demanding, as they may need to climb ladders, work in tight spaces, and lift heavy equipment. They must also be able to work under pressure and be able to complete tasks quickly and accurately.

What are the career prospects for American airline mechanics?

The career prospects for American airline mechanics are good, as the demand for air travel continues to grow. However, the industry is highly competitive, and mechanics with additional certifications or specialized training may have an advantage when it comes to finding employment.

Additionally, American airline mechanics who stay up-to-date with the latest technology and advancements in the field will be better positioned to advance their careers and take on more challenging and higher-paying roles.

Day in the life of an AMT!


In conclusion, the salary of American airline mechanics is an important factor to consider when choosing a career in the aviation industry. While the pay may not be as high as some other professions, it is still a respectable income with opportunities for advancement and growth.

It is worth noting that the salary of airline mechanics can vary depending on a variety of factors such as location, experience, and education. However, with the demand for skilled mechanics on the rise and the increasing complexity of modern aircraft, there is no doubt that this is a stable and rewarding career path.

If you are considering becoming an airline mechanic, it is important to do your research and gather information on the various factors that can affect your salary. With the right education, training, and experience, you can look forward to a fulfilling career in this exciting and ever-evolving field.

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