Aviation mechanic jobs involve maintaining and repairing aircraft systems and components, as well as performing necessary inspections regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These roles are crucial in the transportation industry, given the varied uses of aircraft.
Many individuals in the United States are interested in pursuing aviation mechanic courses due to the job’s importance and high salary. Before specializing in a particular area of aviation mechanics, it’s essential to know the highest-paying aviation mechanic jobs available in the country.
In this article, we’ll reveal the top three highest-paid aviation mechanic jobs in the United States.
Highest-Paid Aviation Mechanic Jobs in the USA
Aviation mechanics, also known as aviation maintenance technicians, are responsible for overseeing the operation of various aircraft types, including jets and helicopters. They typically specialize in specific parts of an aircraft, and their salary ranges vary accordingly.
The following are the highest-paid aviation mechanic jobs in the United States.
Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A&P)
A&P mechanics perform routine aircraft maintenance, including examining engines and conducting 100-hour inspections. They also repair or replace defective parts, repair minor structural damage, and control corrosion. A&P mechanics are critical to the smooth operation of an aircraft and must always be on the ground.
Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic is one of the highest-paid aviation mechanic jobs in the United States, with an average hourly wage of $25.
The table below provides the hourly wage range for Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics at various companies in the US.
Companies Hourly Wage Range Ignite Flight Academy $27 – $43 Maverick Helicopters, Inc. $32 – $45 Horizon Flight Center $20 – $25 Signature Flight Support $32 – $46 Price Retail Service $26 – $38 Atlantic Aviation $24 – $40 Events Air $25 Business Integra Inc. $28 – $33 American Patrols Inc. $48 – $65 Hartford Air Services $18 – $30
Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT)
A Head Aircraft Mechanic is responsible for performing routine inspections and repairs on aircraft to maintain them in optimal mechanical condition. AMT is one of the highest-paid aviation mechanic jobs in the United States.
The average salary range for a Head Aircraft Mechanic (Jet) is between $93,524 and $119,552, but the actual salary may vary based on location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
The table below shows the average pay per year for Head Aircraft Mechanics at some companies in the US.
Companies Annual Pay Affordable Engineering Services $38.84 The Structures Company, LLC $35.92 Life Flight Network $36.82 Zenetex LLC $35.00 AECOM $32.49 Lockheed Martin $30.43 Boeing $28.58
Because it is one of the most sought-after aviation mechanic jobs in the United States, Head Aircraft Mechanic earns more than $100,000 annually.
Aviation Electrician
An aviation electrician installs and repairs electrical wiring in an aircraft. This work includes cutting and stripping wires, insulating electrical connections, and servicing electrical components. Aviation electricians also run tests on equipment to identify problems and replace parts as needed.
Given the importance of electricity in aviation, aviation electricians are among the highest-paid aviation mechanic jobs in the United States.
The table below shows the annual pay of an avionics electrician at eight companies in the US.
Companies Annual Pay Boeing $85,360 Lockheed Martin $81,689 Northrop Grumman $78,319 US Department of Defense $74,328 Walt Disney Company