AME Average Salary: A Complete Guide for 2025
Introduction
Curious about the AME average salary? An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) plays a vital role in aviation safety. This guide dives into up-to-date salary figures across key markets in 2025, including regional trends and what drives pay differences.
AME Average Salary in the UK
The average UK AME salary is approximately £37,620 annually, ranging from £22,380 (lowest) to £54,960 (highest) before tax.
Payscale+3UKTaxCalculators.co.uk+3Payscale+3In London, AMEs earn around £53,103/year (~£26/hour).
Salary.comIn Manchester, the average is about £47,132/year (~£23/hour).
The Sun+8Salary.com+8UKTaxCalculators.co.uk+8Reddit discussions suggest licensed B1 engineers may currently earn £75k–£85k, while unlicensed mechanics average £35k–£45k.
Salary.com+12Reddit+12UKTaxCalculators.co.uk+12
AME Average Salary in the USA
Glassdoor reports an average salary of $129,318/year, with typical ranges from $99,417 to $170,169.
The Sun+14glassdoor.com+14UKTaxCalculators.co.uk+14PayScale lists an average of $82,622/year, ranging from $56k to $132k (base pay).
Payscale+2glassdoor.com+2AviationJobSearch cites an average pay of $96,800/year, with top AMEs earning up to $129,800, and entry-level around $74,500.
Aviation Job Search+1
At-a-Glance Salary Comparison
| Region | Average Salary | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK Overall | £37,620 | £22,380 | £54,960 |
| UK (London) | £53,103 | — | — |
| UK (Manchester) | £47,132 | — | — |
| Licensed UK AME (B1) | — | £75k | £85k |
| USA | $82,622 – $129,318 | $56k (base) / $74.5k (entry) | $170k+ (top earners) |
What Drives AME Salaries?
License & Certification – Licensed roles (e.g., B1) command much higher pay than unlicensed positions.
Location – Metropolitan hubs like London or LA offer premium salaries.
Experience & Seniority – Entry-level AMEs earn less, while senior or specialized technicians earn significantly more.
Industry & Employer – Aerospace, defense, and MRO sectors often pay more than regional airlines or less prominent employers.
Conclusion
If you’re pursuing or working as an AME:
In the UK, expect an average salary around £37k/year, with licensed and experienced professionals earning £50k–£85k+.
In the USA, average pay ranges $80k – $130k/year, with high earners pulling $170k+ depending on experience and employer.
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