As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an A & P Mechanic I in the United States is $55,720 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an A & P Mechanic I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An A & P Mechanic I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an A & P Mechanic I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| A & P Mechanic I | 0-1 years | $55,715 |
| A & P Mechanic II | 1-3 years | $62,746 |
| A & P Mechanic III | 3-5 years | $75,125 |
| A & P Mechanic Supervisor | 5+ years | $98,936 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract A & P Mechanic Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
A & P Mechanic I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $62,055. While startup companies pay approximate $52,532.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $52,532 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $55,542 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $59,934 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $62,055 |
For A & P Mechanic I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, A & P Mechanic positions in Transportation or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view A & P Mechanic I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $83,580 | $40.0 | 50% |
| Business Services | $66,864 | $32.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many A & P Mechanic Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an A & P Mechanic I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $55,833 and $60,280).
A & P Mechanic I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 58.3% |
| High School | 58.3% |
| Associates | 31.3% |
| Bachelors | 8.3% |
| Masters | 2.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an A & P Mechanic I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For an A & P Mechanic I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the A & P Mechanic II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $62,800 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
Salaries for an A & P Mechanic I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $47,938 in 2023 to around $48,581 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of A & P Mechanic I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $47,938 |
| 2024 | $49,103 |
| 2025 | $48,581 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for A & P Mechanic I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
While some specialized mechanics can earn high salaries, the typical salary range for A & P Mechanics is between $53,150 and $69,760 annually. Achieving a salary of $200,000 is uncommon in this field, even for those with extensive experience or in high-demand areas.
A&P mechanics typically work full-time, often on 8- or 10-hour shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Their salaries range from a minimum of $53,150 to a maximum of $69,760, with a mid-salary of $61,090, reflecting the demand and expertise required in this field.
While aircraft mechanics can earn competitive salaries, the typical range for A & P Mechanics is between $53,150 and $69,760, with a mid-salary of $61,090. Highly experienced technicians may exceed this range, but reaching $100,000 is generally reserved for specialized roles or locations. Salary potential varies based on experience and job complexity.
The highest salaries for A&P mechanics are typically found at major airlines like Delta, United, and American, as well as major cargo operations such as FedEx and UPS. While the average salary ranges from $53,150 to $69,760, experienced mechanics can potentially earn over $100,000 annually within a few years in these top-paying positions.
The highest-paying mechanics typically include Aircraft Mechanics, Industrial Machinery Mechanics, and Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics. For A & P Mechanics, salaries range from a minimum of $53,150 to a mid-level of $61,090, reaching up to a maximum of $69,760, reflecting the demand and specialization in the field.
Among the highest-paying trades, Aircraft Mechanics and Technicians stand out, with salaries ranging from a minimum of $53,150 to a mid-level of $61,090, and a maximum of $69,760. This competitive salary reflects the demand for skilled professionals in the aviation industry, making it a lucrative career choice.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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