Difference From U.S. Median
-$1,870
Median Hourly Wage
$37.50
Aircraft Mechanics Employed
2,080
Median Pay Rank Among States
25th of 50
Source: BLS OEWS
Air Methods runs a helicopter maintenance facility at Allegheny County Airport, near Pittsburgh, one of several aviation employers spread across Pennsylvania's metros. The aircraft mechanic salary in Pennsylvania sits at $78,000 a year, or $37.50 an hour, just under the $79,870 national median.
Job growth here is projected at 2.6% through 2034, trailing the 4% national pace, though turnover should still open about 180 positions a year. Statewide pay ranges from $48,560 to $136,510 a year on the BLS survey, depending mostly on metro and employer.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Pennsylvania by Percentile
| Percentile | Pennsylvania | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,560 | $48,780 | -$220 |
| 25th percentile | $64,890 | $62,630 | +$2,260 |
| Median (50th) | $78,000 | $79,870 | -$1,870 |
| 75th percentile | $101,260 | $99,130 | +$2,130 |
| 90th percentile | $136,510 | $128,890 | +$7,620 |
| Mean (average) | $86,080 | $84,740 | +$1,340 |
Rank among states: 25th of 50. All 50 states compared
Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Pennsylvania by Metro Area
| Hourly Median | Location Quotient | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 1,280 | $84,100 | $40.43 | 0.50 |
| Pittsburgh | 510 | $72,090 | $34.66 | 0.51 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem | 130 | $74,770 | $35.95 | 0.38 |
| Harrisburg | 60 | $69,430 | $33.38 | 0.19 |
Avionics Technician and Related Aviation Pay in Pennsylvania
| Occupation | Employed | Pennsylvania Median | U.S. Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft mechanics and service technicians | 2,080 | $78,000 | $79,870 |
| Avionics technicians | 70 | $117,470 | $82,280 |
| Transportation inspectors | 340 | $81,550 | $92,100 |
| Aerospace engineering and operations technicians | 80 | $60,770 | $82,890 |
| Aircraft structure and systems assemblers | 740 | $81,680 | $65,380 |
Pennsylvania Aircraft Mechanic Job Outlook, 2024 to 2034
| Occupation | 2024 Jobs | 2034 Jobs | Change | Openings per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft mechanics and service technicians | 2,240 | 2,300 | +2.6% | 180 |
| Avionics technicians | 160 | 180 | +7.4% | 10 |
Aviation Employers Span Cargo, Rotorcraft, and Helicopters
Amazon Air and FedEx Ground both run operations out of Lehigh Valley International Airport, near Allentown-Bethlehem, while Boeing Rotorcraft Systems keeps its headquarters and rotorcraft factory in Ridley Park, near Philadelphia. Air Methods rounds out the mix with its helicopter maintenance base near Pittsburgh.
Every Bordering State but Two Pays More
New Jersey, New York, and Maryland all report higher medians than Pennsylvania, by $27,370, $24,800, and $22,500. Delaware pays $5,550 more, while Ohio comes closest at $2,570 above Pennsylvania. West Virginia is the lone neighbor that pays less, trailing by $32,530.
Philadelphia Anchors the State's Largest Metro Workforce
Philadelphia carries about 1,280 aircraft mechanic jobs, the largest metro workforce in the state, at an $84,100 median. Pittsburgh, Allentown-Bethlehem, and Harrisburg all report smaller workforces and lower medians, from $69,430 to $74,770.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Pennsylvania vs. Neighboring States
Aviation Maintenance Schools in Pennsylvania
FAA-approved schools in Pennsylvania: 5. Compare Pennsylvania programs
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Aircraft Mechanics Make in Pennsylvania?
What Aviation Employers Operate in Pennsylvania?
Does Pennsylvania Pay Aircraft Mechanics More Than Its Neighbors?
Which Pennsylvania Metro Has the Most Aircraft Mechanic Jobs?
How Fast Is Aircraft Mechanic Employment Projected to Grow in Pennsylvania?
Sources
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025: national, state, metropolitan area, and industry estimates
- Projections Central, State Occupational Employment Projections 2024-2034
- FAA AV-Info Part 147 school records
All sources retrieved .