Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Columbia, SC: $58,995 (2026)

Aircraft Mechanic Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median aircraft mechanic salary of $58,995, which is $655 above the South Carolina state average of $58,340. Compared to the national median of $65,550, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for aircraft mechanics in Columbia spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $90,900 at the 90th percentile — a $53,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior aircraft mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,400. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level aircraft mechanic earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$39,600

$-4,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$60,300

$-6,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$86,400

$-9,600 vs national

Percentile	Columbia	SC State	National
10th Percentile	$37,800	$37,380	$42,000
25th Percentile	$46,800	$46,280	$52,000
Median (50th)	$58,995	$58,340	$65,550
75th Percentile	$75,600	$74,760	$84,000
90th Percentile	$90,900	$89,890	$101,000

Percentile

Columbia

10th Percentile

$37,800

25th Percentile

$46,800

Median (50th)

$58,995

75th Percentile

$75,600

90th Percentile

$90,900

How to Become a Aircraft Mechanic in Columbia

Education

Most aircraft mechanic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Columbia

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make in Columbia, SC? ▼

The median aircraft mechanic salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $58,995 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,550. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $90,900 (90th percentile).

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make per hour in Columbia? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $58,995, a aircraft mechanic in Columbia earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for aircraft mechanic pay? ▼

Columbia's median aircraft mechanic salary of $58,995 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $58,340. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼

Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a aircraft mechanic salary of $58,995 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a aircraft mechanic in Columbia? ▼

Most aircraft mechanic positions in Columbia 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.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Columbia, South Carolina