As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aircraft Support Engineer III in Illinois is $104,603 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, an Aircraft Support Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Aircraft Support Engineer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $114,542 | $9,545 | $2,203 | $55 |
| Average | $104,603 | $8,717 | $2,012 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,749 | $8,062 | $1,861 | $47 |
Shield AI - Mundelein, IL
AAC INDEPENDENT - FREDERICK, MD
Intuit - LOS ANGELES, CA
Intuit - RIVERSIDE, CA
An Aircraft Support Engineer 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Aircraft Support Engineer 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 Support Engineer I | 0-2 years | $80,469 |
| Aircraft Support Engineer II | 2-4 years | $94,877 |
| Aircraft Support Engineer III | 4-7 years | $104,603 |
| Aircraft Support Engineer IV | 7+ years | $123,300 |
| Aircraft Support Engineer V | 7-10 years | $142,222 |
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 Support Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Aircraft Support Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $116,055. While startup companies pay approximate $98,321.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $98,321 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $103,935 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $112,123 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $116,055 |
For Aircraft Support Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 115% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Aircraft Support Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aircraft Support Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $156,904 | $75.0 | 50% |
| Energy & Utilities | $135,983 | $65.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $125,523 | $60.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $115,063 | $55.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Aircraft Support Engineer 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $114,542 | $9,545 | $2,203 | $55 |
| Average | $104,603 | $8,717 | $2,012 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,749 | $8,062 | $1,861 | $47 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aircraft Support Engineer III, 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 Support Engineer IV | $123,300 | 18% |
| Aerospace Maintenance Engineer IV | $123,206 | 18% |
| Software Support Manager | $129,739 | 24% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Aircraft Support Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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