As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Airframe and Engine Mechanic I in the United States is $55,709 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an Airframe and Engine Mechanic I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Airframe and Engine Mechanic I'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 Airframe and Engine Mechanic I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Airframe and Engine Mechanic I | 0-1 years | $55,709 |
| Airframe and Engine Mechanic II | 1-3 years | $62,748 |
| Airframe and Engine Mechanic III | 3-5 years | $75,121 |
| Airframe and Engine Mechanic Supervisor | 5+ years | $98,915 |
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 Airframe and Engine Mechanic Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Airframe and Engine Mechanic I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $61,979. While startup companies pay approximate $52,451.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $52,451 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $55,458 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $59,861 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $61,979 |
For Airframe and Engine Mechanic I 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 Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Airframe and Engine Mechanic positions in Transportation or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Airframe and Engine Mechanic I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $83,564 | $40.0 | 50% |
| Business Services | $66,851 | $32.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Airframe and Engine Mechanic Is 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 Airframe and Engine Mechanic I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $56,126 and $60,597).
Airframe and Engine Mechanic I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 58.3% |
| High School | 58.3% |
| Associates | 31.3% |
| Bachelors | 8.3% |
| Masters | 2.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Airframe and Engine Mechanic I'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, 2026For an Airframe and Engine Mechanic I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Airframe and Engine Mechanic II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $62,748 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
Salaries for an Airframe and Engine Mechanic I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $47,938 in 2023 to around $48,581 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Airframe and Engine Mechanic I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $47,938 |
| 2024 | $49,103 |
| 2025 | $48,581 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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An Airframe and Engine Mechanic I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Airframe and Engine Mechanic I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Airframe and Engine Mechanic I is $70,266.
The highest pay for Airframe and Engine Mechanic I is $74,007.
The lowest pay for Airframe and Engine Mechanic I is $42,431.
Maintains, repairs, and troubleshoots aircraft components to ensure safe and reliable performance. Conducts routine servicing to optimize the lifetime of aircraft airframe and engine components according to internal procedures, guidelines, and technical handbooks. Utilizes a variety of tools and equipment to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical issues and determine malfunctioning parts of aircraft engines and assemblies. Follows company protocols to maintain safety, cleanliness, and organization within the hangar or workshop. Recommends part changes or adjustments to ensure compliance with all federal aviation regulations, standards, and specifications. Maintains accurate records of services and procedures performed and documents and reports issues, concerns, and unusual wear or damage of parts. Requires a high school diploma. Requires FAA Airframe (A) and Powerplant (P) Mechanic License. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Airframe and Engine Mechanic I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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