As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Aircraft Painter in the United States is $63,320 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Senior Aircraft Painter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Senior 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 a Senior 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 | $44,671 |
| Aircraft Parts Painter II | 1-3 years | $56,781 |
| Senior Aircraft Painter | 3-5 years | $63,315 |
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 Senior Aircraft Painters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.49% |
| Continuous Improvement | 3.88% |
| Lean | 2.91% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Employee Health and Safety
|
$72,818 |
15%
|
|
Taking Action
|
$72,818 |
15%
|
|
Security Clearance
|
$70,285 |
11%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$69,019 |
9%
|
Senior Aircraft Painter salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $70,802. While startup companies pay approximate $59,930.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $59,930 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $63,359 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $68,383 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $70,802 |
For Senior Aircraft Painter roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Transportation, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Senior Aircraft Painter positions in Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Senior Aircraft Painter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | $75,984 | $37.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Senior 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 a Senior Aircraft Painter with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $62,309 and $64,357).
Senior Aircraft Painter Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.5% |
| High School | 63.6% |
| Associates | 13.6% |
| Bachelors | 4.5% |
| Masters | 9.1% |
| Doctorate | 4.5% |
Understanding how a Senior 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Senior Aircraft Painter can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $53,285 in 2023 to around $52,493 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Senior Aircraft Painter salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $53,285 |
| 2024 | $53,085 |
| 2025 | $52,493 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Transportation industry offers the highest average compensation for Senior Aircraft Painter roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The highest paid painting job is that of a Senior Aircraft Painter, with salaries ranging from $61,260 to $70,930 per year. This role often involves specialized skills and techniques, making it a lucrative option compared to other painting jobs, such as house painters, who typically earn less.
Aircraft painters at Boeing can expect to earn between $61,260 and $70,930 annually, with a median salary of around $64,490. This range reflects the specialized skills and experience required for the role, aligning with industry standards for senior aircraft painters.
The highest paid painting is Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi, which sold for approximately US$450.3 million, including commission. In contrast, the salary for a Senior Aircraft Painter ranges from $61,260 to $70,930, with a mid-salary of $64,490, highlighting the significant difference between art sales and skilled trade earnings.
Aircraft mechanics typically do not make six figures. For Senior Aircraft Painters, salaries range from approximately $61,260 to $70,930, with a mid-salary of about $64,490. While highly experienced technicians may earn more, most salaries remain below the six-figure mark.
To become an aircraft painter, specific qualifications aren't mandatory, but relevant experience is beneficial. Skills in paint preparation, application, artwork layout, and defect repair are essential. The salary for a Senior Aircraft Painter ranges from $61,260 to $70,930, with a median salary of $64,490, reflecting the expertise and precision required in this role.
In the US, Senior Aircraft Painters earn between $61,260 and $70,930 annually, with a median salary of $64,490. This reflects a competitive pay scale, ensuring skilled professionals are well-compensated for their expertise in the aviation industry.
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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