Airplane Technician Salary in 2025

Airplane technicians—also known as aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) or aviation maintenance specialists—play a critical role in keeping aircraft safe and airworthy. As of 2025, the demand for these skilled professionals continues to rise, reflecting in competitive salaries and excellent job outlooks.

Average Airplane Technician Salary in 2025

The average salary for airplane technicians in the U.S. in 2025 is approximately $74,000 to $103,000 per year, depending on experience, location, certifications, and employer type.

Salary Ranges by Position:

Entry-Level (0–2 years): $50,000 – $65,000
Mid-Level (3–7 years): $66,000 – $85,000
Senior Technicians (8+ years): $86,000 – $103,000+
Lead/Supervisory Roles: $100,000 – $120,000+

Factors That Influence Earnings

Several variables can significantly impact how much airplane technicians earn:

1. Experience Level

More experience typically equals higher pay.
Senior lead technicians or inspectors can earn well over $100K.

2. Certifications

Holding FAA certifications like the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) License boosts salary potential.
Additional endorsements (e.g., avionics, turbine engines) may lead to specialized, higher-paying roles.

3. Geographic Location

Salaries are higher in states with a strong aviation presence such as:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- Washington

4. Type of Employer

Technicians working for:
- Major airlines: Higher base salaries + union benefits.
- Private charters or defense contractors: Often offer bonuses and overtime.
- MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facilities): Competitive pay but may require more hours.

5. Unionization

Unionized positions often come with better job security, structured pay scales, and comprehensive benefits.

What a $103K Salary Looks Like in 2025 (Take-Home Pay)

For a technician earning $103,000/year:

Estimated Federal Taxes: ~$18,000
State Taxes (varies): ~$2,000 – $6,000
FICA (Social Security & Medicare): ~$7,800
Net Take-Home Pay: ~$71,000 – $75,000/year
(~$5,900 – $6,200/month)

Note: Actual take-home varies by state, deductions, and benefits package.

Salary by Experience

Experience Level	Average Salary
0–2 years	$55,000
3–5 years	$70,000
6–9 years	$85,000
10+ years	$100,000+

Benefits That Add Value

Airplane technicians often enjoy robust benefits, especially with airlines and government contractors:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plans with employer match
Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
Free or discounted flights
Tuition reimbursement and training programs
Overtime and hazard pay

Job Outlook in 2025

According to current trends and labor data:

Job Growth: Expected to grow 6–8% from 2025–2030.
Driver Factors:
- Aging workforce leading to retirements.
- Global increase in air travel.
- Rise in private jet ownership and drone maintenance demand.
Hot Sectors:
- Commercial airlines
- Aerospace defense
- Space travel startups
- Advanced air mobility (AAM) tech

Certifications and Education That Impact Salary

While some technicians enter the field via military or on-the-job training, most employers prefer or require:

Key Certifications:

FAA A&P Certification (most essential)
Inspection Authorization (IA)
Avionics Specialization
OEM Training (Boeing, Airbus, etc.)

Educational Pathways:

Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (Part 147 FAA-approved)
Associate degree in Aircraft Maintenance or Avionics Technology
Bachelor’s degree (for management or inspector roles)

Final Thoughts

In 2025, becoming an airplane technician is both financially and professionally rewarding. With average salaries pushing six figures and strong benefits, it’s a lucrative path—especially for those who invest in certifications and build hands-on experience.