As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aircraft Inspector III in the United States is $88,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, an Aircraft Inspector III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aircraft Inspector 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 Aircraft Inspector 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Inspector II | 1-3 years | $78,148 |
| Aircraft Inspector III | 3-5 years | $88,002 |
| Aircraft Inspector IV | 5-7 years | $103,444 |
| Aircraft Inspection Manager | 7+ years | $140,119 |
| Aircraft Inspection Senior Manager | 7+ years | $172,969 |
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 Aircraft Inspector IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 8.79% |
| Aviation | 4.13% |
| Hydraulics | 1.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
System Maintenance
|
$103,077 |
17%
|
|
Project Management
|
$98,672 |
12%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$96,029 |
9%
|
|
Leadership
|
$96,029 |
9%
|
|
Aviation
|
$95,148 |
8%
|
|
Record Keeping
|
$94,267 |
7%
|
Aircraft Inspector III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $98,918. While startup companies pay approximate $83,703.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $83,703 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $88,502 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $95,530 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $98,918 |
For Aircraft Inspector III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Aircraft Inspector positions in Transportation or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aircraft Inspector III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $110,125 | $53.0 | 25% |
| MFG Durable | $96,910 | $47.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aircraft Inspector 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 Aircraft Inspector III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $85,052 and $89,127).
Aircraft Inspector III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 25.0% |
| High School | 25.0% |
| Associates | 25.0% |
| Bachelors | 25.0% |
| Masters | 25.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Aircraft Inspector 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 Aircraft Inspector III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Aircraft Inspector IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $103,500 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Salaries for an Aircraft Inspector III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $59,810 in 2023 to around $58,874 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aircraft Inspector III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $59,810 |
| 2024 | $59,692 |
| 2025 | $58,874 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aircraft Inspector III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
The salary for an Aircraft Inspector ranges from $82,400 to $99,600, with a mid-range salary of $89,800. This reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with the role, which can vary based on experience and location.
The highest salary for an Aircraft Inspector is $99,600 per year. Salary estimates indicate a range from a minimum of $82,400 to a mid-level of $89,800, reflecting the varying experience and qualifications in the field.
The Aircraft Inspector is among the highest-paid inspector roles, with a salary range of $82,400 to $99,600 per year. This position typically offers a mid-salary of $89,800, making it a lucrative career choice compared to other inspector jobs in the public works sector.
The Aircraft Inspector is a highly skilled position in aviation, earning a salary ranging from $82,400 to $99,600 annually. This role is crucial for ensuring the safety and compliance of aircraft, making it one of the better-paying jobs in the aviation sector.
High-paying Aircraft Inspectors earn competitive salaries, with a range from $82,400 to $99,600 annually. This positions them among the top earners in the inspection field, surpassing many other inspector roles such as Zoning Administrators and Building Inspectors, whose salaries typically range lower than those of Aircraft Inspectors.
To become an Aircraft Inspector, you typically need a 2- or 4-year degree, government certification, and 18-24 months of training at an FAA-approved school. Once qualified, you can expect a salary ranging from $82,400 to $99,600, with a median salary of $89,800, reflecting the demand and expertise in this field.
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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