- High-Responsibility, Rewarding Career: Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) play a crucial role in ensuring flight safety, performing inspections, repairs, and certifications that keep aircraft airworthy.
- Strong Earning Potential: In India, AME salaries range from ₹30,000–₹50,000 for beginners to ₹1.5–₹3 lakh per month for senior engineers, with additional perks like allowances, bonuses, and housing benefits.
- Growing Career Opportunities: With India’s aviation industry expanding rapidly and MRO demand increasing, AMEs can expect rising salaries, career growth, and global job prospects—especially with international licenses like EASA or FAA.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) are the backbone of the aviation industry. While pilots and cabin crew manage the flight, AMEs ensure that aircraft are safe, airworthy, and fully operational. A career as an aircraft maintenance engineer is highly respected, challenging, and financially rewarding.
In this article, we will explore the salary of aircraft maintenance engineers in India, factors affecting pay, career progression, job responsibilities, training requirements, perks, and future opportunities in the aviation sector.
Who is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) is a licensed professional responsible for:
- Inspecting aircraft for technical issues and defects.
- Performing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.
- Repairing engines, avionics, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.
- Certifying aircraft as safe and airworthy before flights.
- Maintaining technical records and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations.
AMEs play a critical role in flight safety, ensuring that every takeoff and landing occurs without technical issues.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Salary in India
The salary of an AME in India varies based on experience, employer type, aircraft type, and location. AMEs are employed by airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, and private maintenance organizations.
1. Starting Salary
A fresh AME in India can expect a starting salary of:
- ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 per month for entry-level positions in domestic airlines or private maintenance companies.
This package usually includes basic pay, allowances, and sometimes housing or transport benefits.
2. Mid-Level Salary
With 3–7 years of experience, AMEs can expect:
- ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month depending on the employer and aircraft type.
- Experienced AMEs often specialize in avionics, engines, or airframe maintenance, which increases their earning potential.
3. Senior-Level Salary
Senior aircraft maintenance engineers with 7–15+ years of experience earn:
- ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 per month, especially when working with international airlines, large airports, or multinational aircraft maintenance organizations.
Some highly experienced AMEs who manage teams or maintenance departments can earn even more.
Factors Affecting Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Salary
Several factors determine the salary of an AME in India:
- Employer Type
- Government airlines (Air India, Indian Air Force) offer structured pay scales with allowances.
- Private airlines and MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul companies) may offer competitive but variable pay.
- Experience & Seniority
- More experienced engineers earn higher salaries and may get promotions to supervisory roles.
- More experienced engineers earn higher salaries and may get promotions to supervisory roles.
- Aircraft Type
- AMEs certified for large aircraft (Boeing 777, Airbus A350) earn more than those working on smaller planes.
- AMEs certified for large aircraft (Boeing 777, Airbus A350) earn more than those working on smaller planes.
- Certifications & Specialization
- AMEs with EASA, FAA, or DGCA licenses in specific areas (engine, avionics, or airframe) receive higher pay.
- AMEs with EASA, FAA, or DGCA licenses in specific areas (engine, avionics, or airframe) receive higher pay.
- Location
- Salaries vary depending on airport location (metro airports generally pay higher).
Allowances and Perks
AMEs enjoy several benefits beyond base salary:
- Medical Insurance – Health coverage for the engineer and sometimes family.
- Transport & Housing Allowances – Provided by some airlines or organizations.
- Overtime Pay – Extra pay for night shifts or emergency maintenance.
- Bonuses & Performance Incentives – Based on work efficiency, safety, and aircraft turnaround times.
- Training & Certification Opportunities – Employers often sponsor additional courses and license upgrades.
These perks enhance the overall compensation package for AMEs.
Career Progression for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
A career in aircraft maintenance engineering offers steady growth and opportunities. Typical progression includes:
- Junior Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Entry-level, assists senior engineers.
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) – Handles independent inspections and maintenance tasks.
- Senior Aircraft Maintenance Engineer / Technical Supervisor – Supervises maintenance teams, manages schedules, ensures compliance.
- Maintenance Manager / Head of Engineering Department – Oversees multiple engineers and maintenance operations at an airline or MRO.
- Specialist / Consultant Engineer – Expert in specific systems like avionics or engine maintenance, often working on high-value aircraft contracts.
Career growth depends on experience, certifications, and the type of aircraft managed.
Training and Qualifications
To become an AME in India, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Qualification – 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics or a diploma/degree in Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering.
- AME License – Issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after completing training and examinations.
- Practical Training – Hands-on experience in aircraft maintenance at an approved training organization or airline.
- Specializations – AMEs can specialize in airframe, engine, or avionics.
Additional international certifications like EASA or FAA licenses can significantly increase salary and global job opportunities.
Challenges Faced by Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
While the career is rewarding, AMEs face several challenges:
- High Responsibility – Any mistake can impact flight safety.
- Long or Irregular Hours – Maintenance work may occur overnight or during emergencies.
- Continuous Learning – Engineers must stay updated on new aircraft technologies and regulations.
- Physical and Mental Demands – Work involves inspections at heights, in confined spaces, and under pressure.
Despite these challenges, the salary, respect, and career stability make this profession highly desirable.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Salary Compared to Other Aviation Jobs
In India, AMEs earn competitive salaries compared to cabin crew or ground staff but generally less than pilots. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Position | Starting Salary (₹/Month) | Mid-Level Salary (₹/Month) | Senior Salary (₹/Month) |
| Aircraft Maintenance Engineer | 30,000 – 50,000 | 60,000 – 1,00,000 | 1,50,000 – 3,00,000 |
| Co-Pilot / First Officer | 70,000 – 1,50,000 | 2,00,000 – 4,00,000 | 4,00,000 – 7,00,000 |
| Pilot / Captain | 2,50,000 – 5,00,000 | 5,00,000 – 10,00,000 | 10,00,000+ |
| Cabin Crew | 30,000 – 50,000 | 60,000 – 1,00,000 | 1,50,000 – 2,00,000 |
This shows that AME is a lucrative and respected aviation career, especially for those who want to work behind the scenes ensuring flight safety.
Future Prospects for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers in India
The aviation industry in India is growing rapidly, creating strong demand for AMEs:
- India is the third-largest aviation market in the world.
- Airlines are expanding fleets and opening new routes, increasing the need for maintenance staff.
- Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) companies are growing, providing opportunities in both domestic and international markets.
- International experience or licenses (EASA, FAA) can lead to global job opportunities and higher salaries.
With increasing air traffic, AME salaries and career opportunities are expected to rise steadily in the coming years.
Conclusion
The aircraft maintenance engineer salary in India reflects the skill, responsibility, and technical expertise required for the job. Starting salaries range from ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 per month, mid-level salaries are ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000, and senior engineers can earn up to ₹3 lakh per month or more.
Combined with perks such as allowances, bonuses, housing, and global certification opportunities, AME is a highly rewarding and respected career in the aviation sector.
For those passionate about aviation, technology, and flight safety, a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer offers financial stability, professional growth, and the thrill of working behind the scenes in the fast-paced aviation industry.
