As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Aircraft Painter in the United States is $56,780 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an Intermediate Aircraft Painter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Intermediate Aircraft Painter'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 Intermediate Aircraft Painter'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 Parts Painter I | 0-1 years | $44,670 |
| Intermediate Aircraft Painter | 1-3 years | $56,773 |
| Aircraft Parts Painter III | 3-5 years | $63,301 |
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 Intermediate Aircraft Painters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.42% |
| Continuous Improvement | 4.56% |
| Lean | 2.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Quality Orientation
|
$62,458 |
10%
|
|
Critical Thinking
|
$61,890 |
9%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$61,890 |
9%
|
|
Commitment
|
$61,890 |
9%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$61,322 |
8%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$58,483 |
3%
|
Intermediate Aircraft Painter salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $63,391. While startup companies pay approximate $53,645.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $53,645 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $56,714 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $61,226 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $63,391 |
For Intermediate Aircraft Painter roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Aerospace & Defense, offers compensation 50% above the average. Conversely, Intermediate Aircraft Painter positions in Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Intermediate Aircraft Painter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $85,170 | $41.0 | 50% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate Aircraft Painters 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 Intermediate Aircraft Painter with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $53,021 and $57,021).
Intermediate Aircraft Painter Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 77.8% |
| High School | 77.8% |
| Associates | 22.2% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Intermediate Aircraft Painter'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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate Aircraft Painter, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Parts Painter III | $63,400 | 12% |
| Industrial Production Painter III | $57,500 | 1% |
Salaries for an Intermediate Aircraft Painter can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $48,247 in 2023 to around $47,515 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Intermediate Aircraft Painter salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $48,247 |
| 2024 | $47,818 |
| 2025 | $47,515 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Aircraft Painter roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
The estimated total pay range for an Intermediate Aircraft Painter is approximately $50,330 to $69,190 annually, with an average salary around $56,620. This includes base salary and any additional compensation.
The highest pay for an Intermediate Aircraft Painter is $69,190. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $50,330, with a mid-level salary around $56,620. This reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field.
Top Pay for Intermediate Aircraft Painters The highest salaries for intermediate aircraft painters range from $50,330 to $69,190, with a mid-salary of $56,620. Major airlines and cargo operations typically offer competitive pay, making them some of the best employers in the industry for skilled painters.
The highest paying job at Lockheed Martin for an Intermediate Aircraft Painter has a maximum salary of $69,190. The average salary for this position is around $56,620, while the minimum salary starts at $50,330. These figures reflect the competitive compensation offered for skilled roles within the company.
The salary for an Intermediate Aircraft Painter typically ranges from $50,330 to $69,190, with a median salary of around $56,620. This reflects the compensation for skilled professionals in the aviation industry, highlighting the importance of their expertise in maintaining and painting aircraft.
Aircraft painters at Boeing earn between $50,330 and $69,190 annually, with a median salary of approximately $56,620. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the role, aligning closely with industry standards.
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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