As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Airframe and Engine Mechanic III in the United States is $75,113 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an Airframe and Engine Mechanic III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Airframe and Engine Mechanic 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Airframe and Engine Mechanic 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Airframe and Engine Mechanic I | 0-1 years | $55,698 |
| Airframe and Engine Mechanic II | 1-3 years | $62,752 |
| Airframe and Engine Mechanic III | 3-5 years | $75,113 |
| Airframe and Engine Mechanic Supervisor | 5+ years | $98,873 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Coordination | 5.56% |
| Equipment Operation | 5.56% |
| Preventive Maintenance | 2.78% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Equipment Servicing
|
$80,371 |
7%
|
|
Team Management
|
$79,620 |
6%
|
|
Calibration
|
$78,869 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$78,869 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$78,869 |
5%
|
|
Federal Aviation Administration
|
$78,118 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Airframe and Engine Mechanic IIIs 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $79,418 and $85,469).
Airframe and Engine Mechanic III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 6.3% |
| High School | 43.8% |
| Associates | 25.0% |
| Bachelors | 18.8% |
| Masters | 3.1% |
| Doctorate | 3.1% |
Understanding how an Airframe and Engine Mechanic 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.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026For an Airframe and Engine Mechanic III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Airframe and Engine Mechanic Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $98,873 - a projected growth of 32% over your current level.
Salaries for an Airframe and Engine Mechanic III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $56,811 in 2023 to around $57,052 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Airframe and Engine Mechanic III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $56,811 |
| 2024 | $57,483 |
| 2025 | $57,052 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An Airframe and Engine Mechanic III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Airframe and Engine Mechanic III is $94,740.
The highest pay for Airframe and Engine Mechanic III is $91,977.
The lowest pay for Airframe and Engine Mechanic III is $59,495.
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 independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
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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