How Much Money Do A&P Mechanics Make Each Year?
Posted: July 31, 2026 | Author: Jaidyn Crookston | Read Time: 4 minutes
When thinking about becoming an A&P Mechanic, one of the biggest questions asked is how much money you can expect to make as a mechanic. It’s always important to know as much as you can about a profession before you choose a career.
Job Description
A&P stands for Airframe and Powerplant. This means that those who are qualified as an A&P mechanic are licensed to work on both the external frame (airframe) and engine (powerplant) portions of an aircraft. A&P mechanics are also known as aircraft maintenance technicians, or AMT’s.
A&P mechanics are responsible for keeping an aircraft up to date with FAA safety regulations and standards. This involves regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs of each aircraft. If an aircraft is experiencing problems and needs to be fixed, then it’s the A&P mechanic’s job to repair and sign off on the repair.
Without A&P mechanics, aviation would come to a stop. These technicians are essential for keeping all aircraft running safely for pilots and passengers worldwide. It’s up to an A&P mechanic to run tests, make notes, and repair all problems with an aircraft’s exterior and engine. Mechanics also regularly inspect aircraft and do routine safety checks.
In order to work as an A&P mechanic, you’ll need to have an A&P license. You can earn a license by training at a flight school with an AMT program or by going to a trade school with a similar program.
Average A&P Mechanic Salary
Though salary can vary according to location, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average A&P mechanics can typically expect a secure middle-class income.
A few factors that will help determine how much money you’ll make include where you’re working, how long you’ve been there, and whether you’re working on airplanes or helicopters.
Your level of experience also determines your salary. At the beginning of your career, you won’t be making as much as you will later on. Wherever you work, you’ll start as an entry-level A&P mechanic, and as you get more experience, you can move up in rank until you’re a lead A&P mechanic, whose salary is at the top of the pay scale with a more upper-middle-class income expectation.
Types of A&P Mechanic Jobs
There are many types of A&P mechanic jobs available for new and established mechanics. As a mechanic, you’ll most likely work for an airline, flight school, or general aviation operation, although there are many other aviation options as well. 
To give you an idea of where you may end up working as a mechanic, here are some of the places that hire AMTs:
- Commercial airlines
- Flight schools
- Freight carriers
- Military/government
- Private companies
- Aircraft manufacturers
- Local airports
- Private aircraft owners
- Air Force bases
- Tour companies
- Air medical
Difference Between Airplane and Helicopter Maintenance
You may be able to earn more money working on helicopters than on airplanes. Why is this? Helicopters are more complicated machines and tend to need more maintenance than airplanes. They also require much closer attention to detail and afford less room for mistakes.
Most AMT schools offer training primarily in airplane maintenance and may have a few extra courses dedicated to rotor. If your goal is to become a helicopter maintenance technician, then finding an AMT school that focuses on rotor maintenance is important. The more practice you have working on helicopters, the more prepared you’ll be for the industry.
Other Compensation Benefits
On top of your A&P mechanic’s salary, there may be many benefits. These benefits may include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, retirement, travel insurance, and more.
Requirements to Become an A&P Mechanic
To work as an A&P mechanic, you’ll have to get an A&P license. If you attend a university with an AMT program, like SUU Aviation, you’ll graduate in five semesters with an A&P license and an associate’s degree. Having a degree will put you above the competition when looking for a job, but isn’t required to be a mechanic.
All you really need to become an A&P Mechanic is an A&P license. To get an A&P license, you’ll have to pass a test issued by the FAA. Once you have your license, you’ll be qualified to work in most countries as an A&P Mechanic. Even though an A&P license is only issued in the United States, most countries recognize the license and like to hire candidates who have one.
Is it a good time to become an A&P Mechanic?
Yes, now is still a great time to become an A&P mechanic. According to a recent study done by Boeing, 728,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed over the next 20 years to maintain the aviation industry. A&P mechanics are the ones who keep all aircraft safe to fly. This means that as long as the aviation industry is in demand, A&P mechanics will be too. When you decide to become an A&P mechanic, you’re choosing a career that will likely stay strong and in demand. As an A&P mechanic, you’re almost guaranteed to have a job for the rest of your life.
Produced by SUU Aviation
SUU Aviation offers advanced and relevant flight training in the safest and most efficient way possible. The program continues to be on the cutting edge of the industry, training tomorrow's aviation leaders. With SUU Aviation, you’ll get a high-quality education and have the experience needed to get a job as a mechanic when you graduate.
Tags: Aviation
