
Aircraft painters are responsible for applying paint to aircraft, both commercial and personal. They are highly creative professionals with keen attention to detail. The average salary for an aircraft painter varies depending on location, experience, industry, organisation size, and geography. In the United States, the average yearly salary for an aircraft painter ranges from $38,740 to $64,868, with some sources stating that entry-level positions start at around $45,000 per year, while experienced workers can earn up to $70,000 or more annually.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average salary | $44,220-$55,120 per year |
| Median salary | $44,413 per year |
| Average hourly pay | $21-$31 per hour |
| Average monthly pay | $3,685 |
| Average weekly pay | $850 |
| Entry-level salary | $45,192 per year |
| Experienced worker salary | up to $70,136 per year |
| Salary range | $52,911-$80,462 per year |
| Top paying companies | Boeing, Gulfstream, and Northrop Grumman |
| Salary by location | San Jose, CA ($55,775), San Francisco, CA ($55,226), New York, NY ($51,247), Boston, MA ($49,319) |
| Salary by level of education | High School Diploma or Technical Certificate ($42,062-$45,769) |
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What You'll Learn
- The average salary for an aircraft painter in the US is $55,120 per year
- Entry-level positions start at $45,192 per year
- The salary range across the US is $52,911–$80,462 per year
- Salaries vary by state, with California offering $48,775 per year
- Aircraft painter salaries depend on experience, industry, and location

The average salary for an aircraft painter in the US is $55,120 per year
Aircraft painters are responsible for applying paint to aircraft, both commercial and personal. They also work on older models or previously painted planes, removing paint safely without damaging the aircraft's surface. The average salary for an aircraft painter in the US is $55,120 per year. This figure can vary depending on several factors, including location, experience, industry, and employer.
For example, the average yearly salary for an Aircraft Painter I in California is $48,775, while in Massachusetts, it is $48,125, and in New Jersey, it is $47,930. In contrast, an aircraft painter in San Jose, CA, earns an average of $55,775 per year. Entry-level positions for aircraft painters typically start at $45,192 annually, while experienced workers can earn up to $70,136.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for aircraft painters in the US is $38,740 per year. However, other sources provide a range of estimates, with some reporting a median salary of $42,062 to $45,769 for an Aircraft Painter I with a high school diploma or technical certificate. The estimated total pay for an aircraft painter is $64,868 per year, with an average salary of $52,749. The top paying companies in Aerospace & Defense for Aircraft Painters are Boeing, Gulfstream, and Northrop Grumman.
The salary for aircraft painters can also vary based on the specific employer and the level of education. Gaining advanced degrees or certifications can increase income potential and qualify individuals for promotions. Additionally, aircraft painters who oversee more junior staff may have higher earning potential due to their management experience.
Overall, the salary for aircraft painters in the US can vary depending on various factors, but the average salary is around $55,120 per year.
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Entry-level positions start at $45,192 per year
Entry-level positions for aircraft painters start at $45,192 per year, with some sources placing the starting salary even higher at $48,026. This role is a great option for those without a college degree, as it does not require one. However, training in new skills, earning certifications, and obtaining a high school diploma or technical certificate can help increase your salary.
The average salary for an aircraft painter in the United States is $55,120 per year, with some sources citing a slightly lower average of $52,749, $44,220, or $38,740 per year. The salary for this position varies depending on location, experience, industry, education, and the specific employer. For example, the average yearly salary for an Aircraft Painter I in California is $48,775, while in Massachusetts, it is $48,125, and in New Jersey, it is $47,930. In San Francisco, the average salary is $55,226, while in New York, it is $51,247, and in Boston, it is $49,319.
The salary trajectory of an aircraft painter ranges between locations and employers, with the highest level of seniority earning an estimated $72,676 per year. The top-paying companies in Aerospace & Defense for Aircraft Painters are Boeing, Gulfstream, and Northrop Grumman. The highest-paid aircraft painters have reported making up to $97,194 per year.
An entry-level aircraft painter with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $17.27 per hour, which includes tips, bonuses, and overtime pay. This role often involves working under the supervision of experienced painters and assisting with surface preparation and basic painting of aircraft components.
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The salary range across the US is $52,911–$80,462 per year
The salary of an aircraft painter in the US varies depending on several factors, including location, experience, industry, demand, economic growth, and education. The salary range across the US is $52,911–$80,462 per year.
In California, the average yearly salary for an Aircraft Painter I is $48,775. In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for an Aircraft Painter I is $55,226. In Massachusetts, the average annual salary is $48,125. In Boston, MA, an Aircraft Painter I earns $49,319 per year. In New Jersey, an Aircraft Painter I earns $47,930 per year. In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $51,247. The median salary for an Aircraft Painter I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is $42,062 - $45,769. The average annual salary of an Aircraft Painter I is $44,220, with an average hourly pay of $21, weekly pay of $850, and monthly pay of $3,685. The highest pay for Aircraft Painter I is $52,139, while the lowest pay is $39,591.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), aircraft painters make an average of $38,740 per year in the United States. However, Glassdoor reports a higher average salary of $52,749 per year, with an estimated total pay of $64,868 per year. The top paying companies in Aerospace & Defense for Aircraft Painter are Boeing, Gulfstream, and Northrop Grumman. Entry-level positions start at $45,192 per year, while experienced workers can earn up to $70,136 per year. An entry-level aircraft painter with less than one year of experience can expect an average total compensation of $17.27 per hour, while an early career aircraft painter with 1-4 years of experience can earn an average of $22.36 per hour. The lowest hourly pay for an aircraft painter is $19.17.
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Salaries vary by state, with California offering $48,775 per year
Aircraft painters in the United States earn varying salaries depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, and company size. While the average annual salary for an aircraft painter in the US is estimated to be between $38,740 and $66,511, salaries vary by state. For example, in California, the average yearly salary for an aircraft painter is $48,775, while in Massachusetts, it is $48,125, and in New Jersey, it is $47,930. In San Francisco, CA, the average salary is even higher at $55,226, while in New York City and Boston, it is $51,247 and $49,319, respectively. These variations in salary by state and city are influenced by factors such as the cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
The salary range for aircraft painters in the US can also differ depending on their level of seniority. Entry-level positions can start at around $44,039 per year, while experienced workers can earn up to $70,136 annually. The salary trajectory for aircraft painters can range from $48,026 per year for those at the beginning of their careers to $72,676 per year for those with the highest level of seniority. Additionally, the median salary for aircraft painters with a high school diploma or technical certificate falls between $42,062 and $45,769.
While the average salary estimates for aircraft painters vary across different sources, it is clear that salaries can be influenced by a combination of factors, including location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth. Aircraft painters with more experience, specialized skills, or certifications may have the potential to earn higher salaries, especially in states with a higher cost of living or a strong aerospace industry presence.
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Aircraft painter salaries depend on experience, industry, and location
Aircraft painter salaries vary depending on experience, industry, and location. An aircraft painter's average annual salary in the United States is around $44,220 to $55,120, with hourly wages ranging from $19.17 to $31. Entry-level positions typically start at $45,192 per year, while experienced workers can earn up to $70,136 annually. Salaries can also differ based on location within the US, with Aircraft Painter I salaries ranging from $47,930 in New Jersey to $55,775 in San Jose, California.
Experience plays a significant factor in salary variations. Entry-level aircraft painters with less than a year of experience earn an average of $17.27 per hour, while early-career painters with 1-4 years of experience can expect $22.36 per hour. Mid-career and senior aircraft painters with more specialized skills and leadership roles can command higher salaries.
The industry and type of employer can also impact earnings. Top-paying companies in the aerospace and defense industries, such as Boeing, Gulfstream, and Northrop Grumman, may offer higher salaries. Additionally, working for private plane owners or specific commissions can provide opportunities for higher income through custom work and special requests.
It's worth noting that additional factors, such as cost of living, local economies, industry presence, education, and specific employers, can also influence aircraft painter salaries. Salary estimates are based on submitted data, and job opportunities are projected to grow, making it a promising career path.
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Frequently asked questions
The average salary for an aircraft painter varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, industry, organization size, and geography. The average salary can range from $38,740 to $66,511 per year.
An entry-level aircraft painter with less than a year of experience can expect to earn between $48,026 and $58,110 per year.
A senior-level aircraft painter with over eight years of experience can expect an average salary between $60,079 and $97,194 per year.











































