As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Flight Inspector III in the United States is $87,875 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Flight Inspector III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Flight Inspector 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 a Flight Inspector 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Flight Inspector III | $84,946 |
| Intermediate Level Flight Inspector III | $85,434 |
| Senior Level Flight Inspector III | $86,215 |
| Specialist Level Flight Inspector III | $89,139 |
| Expert Level Flight Inspector III | $94,194 |
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 Flight Inspector IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 8.79% |
| Aviation | 4.13% |
| Hydraulics | 1.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
System Maintenance
|
$102,814 |
17%
|
|
Project Management
|
$98,420 |
12%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$95,784 |
9%
|
|
Leadership
|
$95,784 |
9%
|
|
Aviation
|
$94,905 |
8%
|
|
Record Keeping
|
$94,026 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Flight Inspector 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 a Flight Inspector III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $85,393 and $89,751).
Flight Inspector III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 25.0% |
| High School | 25.0% |
| Associates | 25.0% |
| Bachelors | 25.0% |
| Masters | 25.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Flight Inspector 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 January 01, 2026For a Flight Inspector III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Flight Inspector IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $103,298 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for a Flight Inspector III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $59,810 in 2023 to around $58,874 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Flight Inspector III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $59,810 |
| 2024 | $59,692 |
| 2025 | $58,874 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Flight Inspector 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, a Flight Inspector III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Flight Inspector III is $110,837.
The highest pay for Flight Inspector III is $110,986.
The lowest pay for Flight Inspector III is $75,379.
Inspects aircraft parts, systems, and equipment to ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory standards and requirements. Oversees part installation and inspects adjustments or modifications to existing parts. Documents and records inspection details and ensures violations are communicated and resolved. Maintains historical records of inspections for regulatory compliance. Performs routine preflight and post-flight inspections identifying any breach of standards for safe flight. Requires a high school diploma. Requires Flight Inspector 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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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