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A & P Mechanic III Salary in the United States

How much does an A & P Mechanic III make in the United States?

As of September 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $92,012
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,000 to $84,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $59,534

Key Factors That Influence A & P Mechanic III Salaries

An A & P Mechanic III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for A & P Mechanic IIIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $94,800
  • San Francisco: $93,800
  • Oakland: $91,800

What Skills Can Increase an A & P Mechanic III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Coordination (Mentioned in 5.56% Job Postings): Ability to plan, execute, and adjust job duties to achieve business goals.
  • Equipment Operation (Mentioned in 5.56% Job Postings): This is skilled and unskilled work in the operation of mechanical tools and light to heavy equipment used in maintenance and construction or on the grounds of state properties or facilities and routine maintenance of that equipment.
  • Preventive Maintenance (Mentioned in 2.78% Job Postings): Preventive maintenance is the act of performing regularly scheduled maintenance activities to help prevent unexpected failures in the future. Put simply, it's about fixing things before they break.
Skills Demand Percentage
Coordination 5.56%
Equipment Operation 5.56%
Preventive Maintenance 2.78%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an A & P Mechanic III's salary.

  • Equipment Servicing: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Team Management: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Calibration: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Equipment Servicing $80,464
7%
Team Management $79,712
6%
Calibration $78,960
5%

A & P Mechanic III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $83,606. While startup companies pay approximate $70,772.

A & P Mechanic III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $70,772
Growth Stage 51~500 $74,824
Established 501~5000 $80,746
Enterprise 5000+ $83,606

A & P Mechanic III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for an A & P Mechanic III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Business Services$82,720$40.010%
MFG Durable$78,960$38.05%

How Education impacts an A & P Mechanic III's Salary?

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

Typical Education for A & P Mechanic III
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%

A & P Mechanic III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$67,000
Average $75,200/year
$84,000
$5,583
Average $6,267/month
$7,000
$1,288
Average $1,446/week
$1,615
$32
Average $36/hour
$40
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $84,000 $7,000 $1,615 $40
Average $75,200 $6,267 $1,446 $36
25th Percentile $67,000 $5,583 $1,288 $32

A & P Mechanic III Salary Growth & Career Path

For 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 $112,590 - a projected growth of 50% over your current level.

Most common benefits for A & P Mechanic III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for A & P Mechanic III

Here are companies hiring for A & P Mechanic III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about A & P Mechanic III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for A & P Mechanic III?

The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for A & P Mechanic III roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. Can you make 100k a year as a mechanic?

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.

3. How much does Lockheed Martin pay A&P mechanic?

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.

4. What is the highest paid mechanic field?

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.

5. What is a level 3 Aircraft Mechanic?

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.

6. How much do United Airlines A&P mechanics make?

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.

7. What is a Level 4 mechanic?

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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