Aircraft mechanic salary in California

Aircraft mechanics in California earn a median $86,100 a year. That's 8% above the national median, ranking California #10 of 50 states.

Median pay
$86,100
Median hourly
$41.40
Typical range
$53,860–$116,690
Jobs
12,590

Pay range

Annual pay percentiles for aircraft mechanics in California
PercentileAnnual payU.S.
10th (entry level)$53,860$48,780
25th$68,390$62,630
Median$86,100$79,870
75th$99,650$99,130
90th (top earners)$116,690$128,890

Pay in California metro areas

Median pay by metro area
Metro areaMedian payJobs
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA$83,2505,020

Compare other states

  1. 1New Jersey$105,370
  2. 2New York$102,800
  3. 3Maryland$100,500
  4. 4Washington$98,980
  5. 5Connecticut$96,830
  6. 6Nevada$94,890
  7. 7Massachusetts$93,040
  8. 8Alaska$91,150
  9. 9Hawaii$90,830
  10. 10California$86,100
  11. 11New Mexico$84,440
  12. 12Texas$84,440
  13. 13Delaware$83,550
  14. 14Oregon$82,850
  15. 15Alabama$82,260
  16. 16Virginia$82,200
  17. 17Colorado$82,080
  18. 18Minnesota$81,980
  19. 19Illinois$81,680
  20. 20Tennessee$81,040
  21. 21Ohio$80,570
  22. 22Kansas$80,270
  23. 23Louisiana$79,780
  24. 24New Hampshire$79,610
  25. 25Pennsylvania$78,000
  26. 26North Dakota$77,740
  27. 27North Carolina$76,980
  28. 28Florida$76,940
  29. 29Vermont$76,370
  30. 30South Dakota$75,750
  31. 31Georgia$75,640
  32. 32Arizona$75,300
  33. 33South Carolina$75,160
  34. 34Michigan$74,900
  35. 35Mississippi$74,880
  36. 36Oklahoma$74,390
  37. 37Wisconsin$73,930
  38. 38Missouri$71,470
  39. 39Rhode Island$70,720
  40. 40Utah$70,160
  41. 41Iowa$69,890
  42. 42Kentucky$67,920
  43. 43Maine$67,890
  44. 44Arkansas$65,420
  45. 45Montana$64,170
  46. 46Nebraska$64,020
  47. 47Indiana$63,400
  48. 48Idaho$61,250
  49. 49Wyoming$56,680
  50. 50West Virginia$45,470
  51. –Puerto Rico$45,100

Start training

See what the work is like and how long training takes, then compare schools in California.

Aviation maintenance schools in CaliforniaHow to become an aircraft mechanic

Frequently asked questions

How much do aircraft mechanics make in California?

The median pay for aircraft mechanics in California is $86,100 a year ($41.40 an hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $53,860, and the top 10% earn over $116,690.

Is California a good state for aircraft mechanics?

California ranks #10 of 50 states for median aircraft mechanic pay, 8% above the national median of $79,870. Living costs vary a lot by state, so compare pay with local housing costs.

How can an aircraft mechanic earn more?

Pay rises with experience, certifications, specialized skills, overtime and willingness to travel. Union jobs and employers in high-cost metro areas often pay more. Our guide on how to become an aircraft mechanic covers the certifications that matter most.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, SOC 49-3011). Figures exclude self-employed workers.