As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an A & P Mechanic III in the United States is $75,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an A & P Mechanic III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An A & P Mechanic III'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 III'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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Coordination | 5.56% |
| Equipment Operation | 5.56% |
| Preventive Maintenance | 2.78% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Equipment Servicing
|
$80,464 |
7%
|
|
Team Management
|
$79,712 |
6%
|
|
Calibration
|
$78,960 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$78,960 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$78,960 |
5%
|
|
Federal Aviation Administration
|
$78,208 |
4%
|
A & P Mechanic III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $83,750. While startup companies pay approximate $70,897.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $70,897 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $74,959 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $80,888 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $83,750 |
For A & P Mechanic III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, A & P Mechanic positions in Aerospace & Defense or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view A & P Mechanic III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $82,720 | $40.0 | 10% |
| MFG Durable | $78,960 | $38.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many A & P Mechanic IIIs 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $79,076 and $85,078).
A & P Mechanic III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 6.3% |
| High School | 43.8% |
| Associates | 25.0% |
| Bachelors | 18.8% |
| Masters | 3.1% |
| Doctorate | 3.1% |
Understanding how an A & P Mechanic III'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 III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the A & P Mechanic Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $98,940 - a projected growth of 32% over your current level.
Salaries for an A & P Mechanic III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $56,811 in 2023 to around $57,052 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of A & P Mechanic III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $56,811 |
| 2024 | $57,483 |
| 2025 | $57,052 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for A & P Mechanic III roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
As an A & P Mechanic, you can earn a competitive salary ranging from $74,800 to $98,500 annually, depending on your experience and skills. While reaching $100k may be challenging, with the right qualifications and expertise, you can achieve excellent pay in this field.
Lockheed Martin offers competitive salaries for A&P mechanics, with a range typically between $74,800 and $98,500. The average salary is around $85,200, reflecting the skills and experience required for the role. Recent reports indicate some positions may pay less, but overall, the compensation aligns with industry standards.
The highest paid mechanic field is typically the Aircraft Mechanic, with salaries ranging from $74,800 to $98,500, and a mid-salary of $85,200. Other high-paying roles include Industrial Machinery Mechanic and Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic, which also offer competitive salaries within this range.
A Level 3 Aircraft Mechanic, or Aviation Technician Level III, is responsible for performing aircraft maintenance, repairs, modifications, and inspections following approved methods. They also provide technical guidance to Level I and Level II technicians as needed. The salary for this position ranges from $74,800 to $98,500, with a mid-range salary of $85,200.
United Airlines A&P mechanics earn between $74,800 and $98,500 annually, with a median salary of $85,200. This reflects competitive compensation in the industry, aligning with the national average for similar roles. Salary data is based on various sources, ensuring a comprehensive overview of earnings for these positions.
A Level 4 mechanic specializes in advanced skills such as Preventive and Predictive Maintenance, Advanced Blueprint Reading, and troubleshooting complex systems like pumps and gearboxes. The salary for this role ranges from $74,800 to $98,500, with a mid-point of $85,200, reflecting the expertise required in areas like compressors, pneumatic systems, and supervisory skills.
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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