For those with a passion for aviation, a sharp technical mind, and a commitment to safety, a career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) or Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) is both incredibly rewarding and financially promising. These professionals are the backbone of the aviation industry, ensuring every aircraft is safe for flight. But what does this critical responsibility mean for your earning potential?
This guide breaks down the average salary for an AME, exploring the key factors that can significantly increase your pay. On average, you can expect to earn a salary ranging from $55,000 for entry-level positions to well over $120,000 for experienced specialists at major airlines.
What Does an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Do?
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, often called an Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) in the United States, is a highly skilled professional responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircraft. Their work ensures that every plane, from a small private jet to a massive commercial airliner, meets the strict safety and airworthiness standards set by regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Key responsibilities include:
- Performing scheduled maintenance and routine inspections.
- Diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical, structural, and avionic issues.
- Replacing and repairing aircraft components, from engines to landing gear.
- Maintaining meticulous records of all maintenance work performed.
- Signing off on work, certifying that the aircraft is safe for flight.
To perform these duties, most AMEs in the U.S. must hold an FAA-issued Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification.
Average AME Salary
Salary data shows a strong and competitive earnings landscape for aircraft maintenance professionals. While figures can vary slightly between sources due to different methodologies, they all point to a lucrative career path.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $75,440 as of May 2023. This means half of all technicians earned more than this amount, and half earned less. The BLS also reports a wide salary spectrum:
- Lowest 10%: Earned less than $48,300
- Highest 10%: Earned more than $110,130
Reputable salary aggregators provide a similar picture, often updated more frequently:
- Salary.com reports the median salary for an Aircraft Maintenance Technician III (representing an experienced professional) to be around $98,011, with a typical range falling between $85,274 and $109,796.
- Glassdoor lists a total pay average of approximately $83,000 per year, combining a base salary of around $73,000 with additional pay like bonuses and profit sharing.
This data clearly shows that while the average provides a good baseline, your specific earnings can be much higher depending on several critical factors.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your salary as an AME isn't a fixed number. It’s influenced by a combination of your qualifications, choices, and location. Understanding these factors is key to maximizing your earning potential.
### Level of Education
While a high school diploma is the minimum requirement to enter an FAA-approved aviation maintenance school, your educational path matters. The most crucial credential is the A&P certificate. However, pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology can provide a significant advantage. Employers often see candidates with degrees as having a deeper theoretical understanding and stronger problem-solving skills, which can lead to higher starting salaries and faster promotions into lead technician, inspector, or management roles.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth in this field. As you gain hands-on expertise, your value to an employer skyrockets.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Technicians fresh out of A&P school typically start in the $55,000 to $65,000 range. They perform basic tasks under supervision while learning company procedures and specific aircraft systems.
- Mid-Career (3-8 years): With several years of experience, technicians can command salaries from $70,000 to $95,000. They work more independently, handle complex troubleshooting, and may begin specializing.
- Senior/Lead Technician (8+ years): Highly experienced technicians, especially those who hold inspection authorizations (IA) or become lead technicians, can earn $95,000 to $120,000+. Those working for major cargo and passenger airlines often see their pay exceed this range due to strong union contracts and overtime opportunities.
### Geographic Location
Where you work has a major impact on your paycheck. States and cities with major airline hubs, large MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities, or a significant aerospace manufacturing presence tend to offer the highest wages to attract top talent.
According to BLS data, some of the top-paying states for aircraft technicians include:
- Kentucky
- Nevada
- Washington
- Maryland
- California
Metropolitan areas with major airports like Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, and Los Angeles are also salary hotspots due to the high concentration of airline and cargo operations.
### Company Type
The type of company you work for is another crucial factor.
- Major Passenger Airlines (e.g., Delta, United, American): These are often the highest-paying employers, with top-tier salaries and excellent benefits packages governed by strong union contracts. Senior technicians can easily earn six-figure incomes.
- Cargo Airlines (e.g., FedEx, UPS): Similar to major passenger airlines, cargo carriers are known for offering very competitive, high-end salaries and are a top destination for experienced AMEs.
- Corporate and Private Aviation: Maintaining business jets can be lucrative, offering competitive salaries and often a better work-life balance.
- MRO Facilities: These third-party maintenance centers serve multiple airlines and offer a wide range of salaries. While starting pay may be lower than at a major airline, they provide excellent experience on diverse aircraft types.
- Government and Defense Contractors: Working on military aircraft can offer stable employment and competitive pay, though it may not reach the top-end potential of major airlines.
### Area of Specialization
Within the AME field, certain specializations are in higher demand and command premium pay.
- Avionics Technicians: These specialists work on the complex electronic systems of an aircraft, including navigation, communication, and flight control systems. As aircraft become more technologically advanced, the demand for skilled avionics technicians has surged, leading to higher salaries.
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): NDT specialists use sophisticated equipment to inspect aircraft parts for flaws without causing damage. This is a highly skilled and valuable certification.
- Composite Repair: Modern aircraft extensively use lightweight composite materials. Technicians skilled in repairing these materials are highly sought after.
- Engine Specialists: Focusing on the "powerplant" side of the A&P license, engine specialists who have expertise in specific, widely-used engine models (like those from GE, Pratt & Whitney, or Rolls-Royce) are invaluable.
Job Outlook
The future for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers is bright and stable. The BLS projects that employment for aircraft mechanics and service technicians will grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032.
This steady growth is driven by two main factors:
1. A Retiring Workforce: A significant portion of the current AME workforce is nearing retirement age, creating a consistent need for newly certified technicians to take their place.
2. Growth in Air Travel: As global demand for air travel continues to recover and grow, airlines will need to maintain and expand their fleets, ensuring a steady demand for qualified maintenance professionals.
The BLS anticipates about 12,500 openings for aircraft mechanics and service technicians each year, on average, over the decade.
Conclusion
A career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is a path built on skill, responsibility, and precision—and it is compensated accordingly. With a median salary well above the national average and clear pathways to a six-figure income, it represents an excellent opportunity for technically-minded individuals.
Your earning potential is directly in your hands. By gaining experience, pursuing specializations like avionics, choosing to work for high-paying employers like major airlines, and potentially relocating to a major aviation hub, you can build a highly successful and financially rewarding career ensuring the safety of the skies. For anyone considering this profession, the data shows a stable, in-demand, and lucrative future.