Real compensation data sourced from active job postings on AeroRobust. Updated continuously as new jobs are posted. Use this to negotiate your next contract.
Updated from live job postings — 1,847 active listings analyzed
Real Rates. Real Contracts. Real Money.
Data sourced from active job postings on AeroRobust
24K
Unfilled mechanic positions in North America right now
The mechanic shortage is your use. With 24,000 unfilled positions and the gap projected to hit 40,000 by 2028, qualified A&P mechanics have more negotiating power than at any point in the last 30 years. Use this data to know your worth and ask for it.
2028
Year the shortage is projected to peak at 40,000 unfilled positions
$62
Average Hourly Rate
That's $2,480/wk before per diem
$90
Top Contracts Pay
$3,600/wk + $70/day per diem = $4,090/wk
$58
Avg Daily Per Diem
$406/wk tax-free on top of wages
68%
Jobs With Housing
Of active postings
What Could You Earn? Run the Numbers.
Move the slider to see your total weekly and annual take-home including per diem.
$35$110
$65/hr
$0$100
$60/day
Your Estimated Weekly
$3,020
Hourly wages + per diem
Annual Estimate
$157,040
* Estimate assumes 40hr work week, 52 weeks. Per diem calculated 7 days/week on contract. Tax savings on per diem not included in estimate — actual take-home is higher.
Pay Rates by Aircraft Type & State
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Aircraft Type
State
Hourly Range
Per Diem
Housing Offered
Demand Level
Sample Size
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IA Certification Premium
High Demand
+$14/hrAverage IA premium over A&P only
94%Of IA listings offer housing or per diem
48hrsAverage time to first contractor contact for verified IA
Mechanics with Inspection Authorization consistently command the highest rates on the platform. If you have 3+ years of A&P experience, getting your IA is the single highest-ROI move you can make for your career. The application process takes 6-12 months but the pay premium is immediate and permanent.
Understanding Per Diem — Tax-Free Income
Per diem is a daily tax-free allowance paid to cover meals and incidentals when you're working away from home. Unlike your hourly rate, per diem is not subject to federal income tax — meaning $60/day per diem is worth significantly more than $60/day added to your taxable wage.
IRS Standard Rate
$67
Per day maximum (2026 IRS rate). Ask for at least this.
Platform Average
$58
Average per diem across all AeroRobust job postings.
Annual Tax Savings
$4,380+
Estimated tax savings vs same amount added to wage (25% bracket).
Ready to Find Your Next Contract?
Browse 1,847+ active jobs with transparent pay rates, housing details, and per diem shown upfront. No guessing, no surprises.
