The median annual wage of aircraft mechanics was $53,420 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent of aircraft mechanics earned less than $33,630, and the top 10 percent earned more than $72,250.
In May 2010, median annual wages in industries employing the largest numbers of aircraft mechanics were as follows:
| Scheduled air transportation | $56,850 |
| Federal executive branch | 54,990 |
| Aerospace products and parts manufacturing | 54,970 |
| Nonscheduled air transportation | 51,540 |
| Support activities for air transportation (including airports) | 45,160 |
The median annual wage of avionics technicians was $52,320 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent of avionics technicians earned less than $36,810, and the top 10 percent earned more than $67,560.
In May 2010, median annual wages in industries employing the largest numbers of avionics technicians were as follows:
| Scheduled air transportation | $56,550 |
| Aerospace products and parts manufacturing | 54,050 |
| Federal executive branch | 53,140 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 51,120 |
| Support activities for air transportation (including airports) | 46,160 |
Mechanics and technicians usually work full time on rotating 8-hour shifts. Overtime and weekend work is often required. Day shifts are usually reserved for mechanics with the most seniority. Mechanics typically receive health and retirement benefits as part of their compensation package.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition