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Create CVIf you’re searching “aircraft mechanic UK salary,” you’re not just looking for a number. You want to understand how much you can earn at each stage, what qualifications matter, and how to move into the highest-paying roles in aviation engineering.
From a recruiter and hiring manager perspective, aircraft mechanic salaries are highly structured but also highly variable depending on licensing, aircraft type, and employer. The biggest income jumps do not come from years of experience alone. They come from certification, responsibility, and the type of aircraft you work on.
This guide breaks down real UK salary ranges, how the pay structure works, and how to strategically position yourself for top-tier earnings.
Here is the realistic salary breakdown in today’s UK aviation market:
Trainee aircraft mechanic: £18,000 to £28,000
Junior aircraft mechanic: £28,000 to £38,000
Experienced aircraft mechanic: £35,000 to £50,000
Licensed aircraft engineer (B1 or B2): £50,000 to £80,000+
Senior licensed engineer or supervisor: £70,000 to £100,000+
These figures vary based on licensing, employer, and aircraft type.
This is the single most important factor in aviation salaries.
Performs maintenance under supervision
Cannot sign off work
Lower earning ceiling
Salary:
Can certify and sign off aircraft as airworthy
Holds legal responsibility for safety
Aircraft maintenance salaries are influenced by:
Base salary
Shift allowances (night shifts, weekends)
Overtime rates
Contract or freelance work (for experienced engineers)
Many mechanics increase earnings significantly through:
Overtime
Contract assignments
International work
Significantly higher pay
Salary:
From a hiring perspective, the licence transforms your market value instantly.
From a hiring manager’s perspective, salary is directly tied to risk and responsibility.
High earners:
Hold Part-66 licences (B1 mechanical or B2 avionics)
Work on high-value aircraft (commercial jets, business aviation)
Can independently sign off maintenance tasks
Take on supervisory or inspection roles
Lower earners:
Remain unlicensed
Perform basic maintenance tasks
Lack specialised aircraft experience
The gap is not incremental. It is structural.
Not all aircraft roles pay the same.
£40,000 to £80,000+
Stable employment
Strong benefits
£50,000 to £90,000+
Higher expectations
Premium pay for flexibility and precision
£30,000 to £60,000
Structured progression
Strong job security
£35,000 to £70,000
High volume of work
Opportunities for overtime
Higher salaries
More international exposure
Greater demand for licensed engineers
Slightly lower base salaries
Less competition
More stable roles
However, contract work can level this gap.
One of the most overlooked factors in aviation salary growth is aircraft type rating.
Examples:
Airbus A320
Boeing 737
Gulfstream business jets
Engineers with specific type ratings are significantly more valuable.
Why?
Employers need certified engineers for specific aircraft
Fewer qualified candidates exist
Training is expensive and time-consuming
This creates a supply-demand imbalance that increases salaries.
Aircraft mechanic CVs are evaluated quickly but technically.
Hiring managers look for:
Licensing status (Part-66 categories)
Aircraft types worked on
Maintenance experience (line vs base maintenance)
Safety compliance and regulatory knowledge
If your CV lacks clear certification details, you will be filtered out immediately.
Aviation offers a structured progression model.
Typical path:
Trainee mechanic
Junior mechanic
Experienced mechanic
Licensed engineer (B1 or B2)
Senior engineer or supervisor
Maintenance manager
The biggest jump happens when moving into licensed roles.
Remaining unlicensed is the fastest way to cap your income.
General experience is less valuable than aircraft-specific expertise.
Shift allowances significantly increase earnings.
Many candidates fail to highlight certifications clearly.
To move into higher salary brackets, your strategy must be deliberate.
This is the most important step.
Focus on high-demand aircraft types.
Line maintenance roles often pay more due to operational urgency.
Experienced engineers can earn significantly more as contractors.
Contract aircraft engineers often earn:
£30 to £60+ per hour
Equivalent to £80,000 to £120,000+ annually
Advantages:
Higher earnings
Flexibility
International opportunities
Risks:
No job security
No benefits
Income variability
Aviation CVs must be technically precise.
Key optimisation strategies:
Clearly list Part-66 licence categories
Include aircraft types and type ratings
Highlight compliance with aviation safety standards
Use keywords like line maintenance, base maintenance, airworthiness
Avoid vague descriptions. Precision matters.
Candidate Name: Andrew Collins
Job Title: Licensed Aircraft Engineer (B1)
Location: London Heathrow, UK
Professional Summary
CAA Part-66 B1 Licensed Aircraft Engineer with 12+ years’ experience in commercial aviation. Specialised in Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 maintenance, with proven expertise in line maintenance, safety compliance, and aircraft certification.
Core Skills
Aircraft Maintenance
Line and Base Maintenance
Airworthiness Certification
Fault Diagnosis
Safety Compliance
Technical Documentation
Professional Experience
Licensed Aircraft Engineer – Major UK Airline
2018 – Present
Certified and signed off maintenance for Airbus A320 fleet
Ensured compliance with CAA and EASA safety regulations
Reduced aircraft downtime through efficient fault diagnosis
Supervised junior mechanics and maintenance teams
Aircraft Mechanic – MRO Company
2012 – 2018
Performed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance tasks
Supported line maintenance operations at major UK airports
Gained experience across multiple aircraft systems
Education and Certifications
CAA Part-66 B1 Licence
Aircraft Type Rating: Airbus A320
The aviation industry continues to evolve.
Key trends:
Increasing demand for licensed engineers
Skills shortages driving higher salaries
Greater reliance on contract and flexible workforce
Growth in business aviation and private jet sectors
Engineers with licences and type ratings will benefit most.
Your salary as an aircraft mechanic is not based on time alone.
It depends on:
Your licensing status
Your aircraft specialisation
Your level of responsibility
Your willingness to work shifts or contract roles
Those who invest in certification and specialisation consistently reach the highest salary brackets.
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