Aircraft Mechanic Salary Data [2026]

Last Updated: March 2026

Aviation mechanic salaries vary dramatically by employer type, experience level, and location. Mechanics at major airlines earn roughly double what their counterparts at independent repair stations make. The national median of $78,680 masks a wide distribution — from $47,790 at the entry level to over $155,000 at top-paying carriers. MRO wage inflation is running at 5.7% annually, putting upward pressure on compensation across the industry.

Salary Breakdown

Salary by Experience Level Source: BLS, May 2024 10th percentile (entry-level) $47,790 25th percentile ~$59,000 50th percentile (median) $78,680 90th percentile $120,080+
TAS
Pay by Employer Type Sources: BLS, 2024 · Aviation Week, 2025 Entry-level $47,790 MRO mid-career $65-75K National median $78,680 Airline (top-of-scale) $140,000+
TAS

Sources & Methodology

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational employment and wage data for aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians (SOC 49-3011, 49-2091)
  • Aviation Week — Airline vs. MRO compensation analysis, carrier-specific salary data
  • Oliver Wyman — MRO Survey 2025 (wage inflation, labor market dynamics)

Data compiled from federal agencies, industry research firms, and aviation trade organizations. All statistics link to their original source.