As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aircraft Inspector IV in the United States is $103,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, an Aircraft Inspector IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aircraft Inspector IV'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 IV'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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 6.76% |
| Quality Assurance | 4.97% |
| Microsoft Office | 0.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$124,200 |
20%
|
|
Installation
|
$112,815 |
9%
|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$112,815 |
9%
|
|
Pneumatics
|
$112,815 |
9%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$112,815 |
9%
|
|
Leadership
|
$110,745 |
7%
|
Aircraft Inspector IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $116,209. While startup companies pay approximate $98,334.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $98,334 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $103,972 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $112,228 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $116,209 |
For Aircraft Inspector IV 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 MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Aircraft Inspector positions in Aerospace & Defense or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aircraft Inspector IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $155,250 | $75.0 | 50% |
| MFG Durable | $124,200 | $60.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aircraft Inspector IVs 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 IV with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $94,158 and $98,701).
Aircraft Inspector IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 33.3% |
| High School | 33.3% |
| Associates | 33.3% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 33.3% |
Understanding how an Aircraft Inspector IV'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 IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Aircraft Inspection Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $140,190 - a projected growth of 35% over your current level.
Salaries for an Aircraft Inspector IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $69,943 in 2023 to around $67,512 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aircraft Inspector IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $69,943 |
| 2024 | $69,104 |
| 2025 | $67,512 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aircraft Inspector IV roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
Aircraft Inspectors also earn competitive salaries in the aviation sector, with a minimum salary of $93,900, a mid-range salary of $102,500, and a maximum salary of $115,700. Their expertise in ensuring aircraft safety and compliance is crucial, reflecting the high level of responsibility associated with their role.
In 2023, Aircraft Inspectors earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $93,900, a mid-range salary of $102,500, and a maximum of $115,700. This reflects the importance of their role in ensuring aircraft safety and compliance, making it a well-compensated profession within the aviation industry.
The highest salary for an Aircraft Inspector is $115,700 per year. The average starting salary is approximately $93,900, with a mid-range salary of $102,500. Typically, a minimum of one year of experience is required for this role.
A high school diploma or equivalency is the minimum requirement for federal aviation safety positions, while a college degree may be necessary for nongovernment roles. As an Aircraft Inspector, you can expect a salary range from $93,900 to $115,700, with a median salary of $102,500, reflecting the importance of this role in ensuring aviation safety.
The highest salary for an Aircraft Inspector is $115,700. This role offers a competitive salary range, with a minimum of $93,900 and a mid-level salary of $102,500, reflecting the importance of quality assurance in the aviation industry.
Inspectors earn income by conducting inspections and receiving payment for their services. For an Aircraft Inspector, salaries range from a minimum of $93,900 to a mid-level of $102,500, with the potential to earn up to $115,700. In a multi-inspector firm, income can also come from the work of other inspectors in the company.
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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