Automotive & Maintenance San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in San Francisco, California

The median aircraft mechanic salary in San Francisco, CA is $119,301 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$119,301
vs State Avg
+$28,842
vs National
+$53,751
Cost of Living
182%

Aircraft Mechanic Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median aircraft mechanic salary of $119,301, which is $28,842 above the California state average of $90,459. Compared to the national median of $65,550, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $119,301 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $65,550. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for aircraft mechanics in San Francisco spans from $76,440 at the 10th percentile to $183,820 at the 90th percentile — a $107,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,080, while senior aircraft mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,720. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level aircraft mechanic earns around $80,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,080
+$36,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,940
+$54,940 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,720
+$78,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $76,440
25th Percentile $94,640
Median (50th) $119,301
75th Percentile $152,880
90th Percentile $183,820

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Aircraft Mechanic in San Francisco

Education

Most aircraft mechanic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Aircraft SystemsA&P CertificationFAA RegulationsAvionicsTroubleshootingSafety Protocols

Job Outlook

Nationally, aircraft mechanic employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Aircraft Mechanic Jobs in San Francisco

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aircraft Mechanic Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median aircraft mechanic salary in San Francisco, California is $119,301 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $65,550. Salaries range from $76,440 (10th percentile) to $183,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $119,301, a aircraft mechanic in San Francisco earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for aircraft mechanic pay? ▼
San Francisco's median aircraft mechanic salary of $119,301 is 31.9% above the California state average of $90,459. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a aircraft mechanic salary of $119,301 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aircraft mechanic in San Francisco? ▼
Most aircraft mechanic positions in San Francisco require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Aircraft Systems, A&P Certification, FAA Regulations, Avionics. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.