Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The median pay for a aircraft mechanics and service technicians in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $103,750/year ($49.88/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $61K at the entry level to $148K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $93,959 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 54.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $104K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level aircraft mechanics and service technicians (10th percentile) start around $61K. Mid-career wages sit at $104K.Top earners bring in $148K or more - a $87K spread from bottom to top.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $98K | +24% | 1,950 |
| Nevada | $98K | +24% | 2,300 |
| Maryland | $98K | +24% | 1,630 |
| New York | $93K | +18% | 2,940 |
| Massachusetts | $87K | +11% | 1,630 |
| Alabama | $87K | +10% | 4,600 |
| Minnesota | $87K | +10% | 2,230 |
| Alaska | $86K | +9% | 1,350 |
| Tennessee | $86K | +9% | 4,980 |
| Washington | $85K | +8% | 4,230 |
| Delaware | $85K | +8% | 280 |
| California | $85K | +8% | 12,820 |
| Hawaii | $83K | +6% | 1,170 |
| Connecticut | $83K | +5% | 1,310 |
| Oregon | $82K | +4% | 1,060 |
Track aircraft mechanics and service technicians salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
Related careers in Repair & Maintenance
Frequently asked questions
How much do aircraft mechanics and service technicians make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $103,750 a year - that works out to about $49.88 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $60,740, and experienced aircraft mechanics and service technicians can clear $147,870. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $104K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,299/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 55.3% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a aircraft mechanics and service technicians salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median aircraft mechanics and service technicians salary is worth about $93,959 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do aircraft mechanics and service technicians get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.