Aircraft Engineers salary and the salary of the other aircraft maintenance professional varies significantly based on location, experience, and qualifications. Generally, Aircraft Engineers earn competitive salaries worldwide, whereas Aircraft Mechanics often receive lower pay compared to other industries. Additionally, securing a job as an Aircraft Mechanic can be challenging, as most positions are advertised through Aviation Maintenance Engineering (AME) schools.
Perks Beyond Salary
In addition to their salary, Aircraft Engineers employed by airlines often receive exclusive travel benefits, including:
- Annual free tickets for themselves and their families.
- Discounted confirmed tickets (typically 50% off, excluding taxes) for immediate family members.
- Some airlines extend discounts to relatives and friends, provided they adhere to passenger conduct policies.
- Standby tickets with discounts up to 90% off, allowing travel at minimal costs if seats are available.
While these benefits apply to both Aircraft Engineers and Mechanics, salary satisfaction varies. Many aviation professionals, especially in Asia and the Middle East, rely on overtime work to maintain financial stability..
Aircraft Engineers Salary by Country
United Kingdom (UK)
- C Licensed Aircraft Engineer – £65,000 per year
- B Licensed Aircraft Technician – £36,000 per year
- A Licensed Aircraft Mechanic – £28,000 per year
- Unlicensed Aircraft Mechanic – £21,000 per year
The UK aviation industry follows strict labor laws, ensuring regulated shifts and fair compensation.
France
- C Licensed Aircraft Engineer – £53,000 per year
- B Licensed Aircraft Technician – £45,000 per year
- A Licensed Aircraft Mechanic – £28,000 per year
- Unlicensed Aircraft Mechanic – £21,000 per year
United States (USA)
- Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic – $50,000 per year (range: $33,463 – $77,109)
- Standard hourly rate – $25 per hour
- Overtime rate – $35 per hour
Canada
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) – C$50,000 per year (range: C$36,786 – C$78,935)
- Standard hourly rate – C$26 per hour
- Overtime rate – C$35 per hour
Australia
- C Licensed Aircraft Engineer – $115,000 per year
- B Licensed Aircraft Technician – $85,000 per year
- A Licensed Aircraft Mechanic – $67,000 per year
- Unlicensed Aircraft Mechanic – $65,000 per year
Malaysia
- Contracted Licensed AME – $56,000 per year (range: $44,786 – $71,935)
- Bonded Engineers – $25,000 per year
- Entry-level Technicians – $9,600 per year (with overtime)
- Senior Technicians – $13,000 per year
Malaysia’s Aviation Industry
- MRO manpower provider: RM10/hour ($2.50), totaling up to RM2,500 per month for technicians—very low by Malaysian living standards.
Aircraft Engineers Salary in the Gulf Countries (UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait)
Gulf aviation salaries vary significantly based on experience and employer. Tax-free earnings make these regions attractive for expatriates.
- Expat Licensed AME – $80,000 per year
- Expat Aircraft Technician – $45,000 per year
- Expat Aircraft Mechanic (less experienced) – $21,500 per year
- Some military aircraft servicing companies in the UAE offer technicians up to $72,000 per year.
While airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, and Air Arabia pay competitive salaries, local MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) companies offer significantly lower wages.
- some local AMO-employed Aircraft Technicians earn as little as AED 1,000/month ($300), making it difficult to sustain a livelihood.
Singapore
- Expat Licensed AME – $63,000 per year
- Expat Aircraft Technician – $30,000 per year
- Expat Aircraft Mechanic (less experienced) – $18,500 per year
South Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh)
Difficult job market for AME freshers due to political influence and limited opportunities in airlines or MROs.
- Licensed Aircraft Engineer – $37,000 per year
- Aircraft Technician – $7,300 per year
- Aircraft Mechanic (less experienced) – $1,500 per year
Trend of Aircraft engineers salary for 2025
As of 2025, the average salary for Aircraft Engineers in the United States varies depending on the source and specific job title. Here’s a summary of the reported figures:
| Source | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Talent.com | Aircraft Engineer | $131,539 per year |
| Glassdoor | Aircraft Engineer | $132,393 per year |
| ZipRecruiter | Aircraft Engineer | $80,789 per year |
| Salary.com | Aircraft Engineer | $86,937 per year |
| PayScale.com | Aircraft Engineer | $102,800 per year |
| Zippia.com | Aircraft Engineer | $72,867 per year |
| Talent.com | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer | $97,500 per year |
It’s important to note that these variations can result from differences in data collection methods, sample sizes, and the specific definitions of job roles. For instance, the term “Aircraft Engineer” might encompass various positions with differing responsibilities and qualifications, leading to salary discrepancies.
Additionally, salaries can be influenced by factors such as experience level, geographic location, and the specific employer. For example, aerospace engineers working in the manufacturing sector may have different salary ranges compared to those in research and development.
Given these variations, it’s advisable to consult multiple sources and consider the specific context when evaluating salary information for Aircraft Engineers.
Final Thoughts
The Aircraft Engineer salary varies widely across different countries. While Western nations and Gulf countries offer high salaries and benefits, professionals in Asia and developing nations often struggle with low pay and limited job security.
If you’re considering a career in aircraft maintenance, it’s essential to evaluate job opportunities, salary expectations, and industry benefits before choosing a location.