The qualifications that you need to become an aviation engineer vary depending on your area of expertise. Entry-level aviation engineers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, aviation engineering, or aeronautical engineering and relevant professional experience. You can also pursue the career with a related degree such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, math, or physics. Some employers may give preference to applicants with a master’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field.

If you are interested in a job related to Aviation Engineer, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Aviation Engineer Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Aviation Engineer positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Aw139 Engineer
Salary range: $84,000 - $116,500
Aw139 Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Aw139 Engineer jobs pay between $84,000 (25th percentile) and $116,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Aw139 Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Ame
Salary range: $65,500 - $95,500
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Ame is a common job search query. Most salaries for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Ame jobs pay between $65,500 (25th percentile) and $95,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Ame job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Aircraft Line Maintenance
Salary range: $36,000 - $48,500
Aircraft Line Maintenance is a typical job search query Most salaries for Aircraft Line Maintenance jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $48,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Aircraft Line Maintenance job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Aircraft Maintenance Programs
Salary range: $62,500 - $81,000
Aircraft Maintenance Programs is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Aircraft Maintenance Programs jobs pay between $62,500 (25th percentile) and $81,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Aircraft Maintenance Programs job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
C 130 Aircraft Maintenance
Salary range: $62,500 - $81,000
C 130 Aircraft Maintenance is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for C 130 Aircraft Maintenance jobs pay between $62,500 (25th percentile) and $81,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for C 130 Aircraft Maintenance job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Aircraft Maintenance Administration
Salary range: $62,500 - $81,000
Aircraft Maintenance Administration is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Aircraft Maintenance Administration jobs pay between $62,500 (25th percentile) and $81,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Aircraft Maintenance Administration job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Chief Aircraft Maintenance
Salary range: $122,000 - $207,000
Chief Aircraft Maintenance is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Chief Aircraft Maintenance jobs pay between $122,000 (25th percentile) and $207,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Chief Aircraft Maintenance job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Aircraft Armament System
Salary range: $65,500 - $95,500
Aircraft Armament System is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Aircraft Armament System jobs pay between $65,500 (25th percentile) and $95,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Aircraft Armament System job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Deployable Aircraft
Salary range: $55,500 - $102,000
Deployable Aircraft is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Deployable Aircraft jobs pay between $55,500 (25th percentile) and $102,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Deployable Aircraft job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Southwest Airlines Aircraft Maintenance
Salary range: $62,500 - $81,000
Southwest Airlines Aircraft Maintenance is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Southwest Airlines Aircraft Maintenance jobs pay between $62,500 (25th percentile) and $81,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Southwest Airlines Aircraft Maintenance job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Aviation Engineer Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Aviation Engineer Jobs in 2026