India’s airlines are adding aircraft and building new maintenance hangars, and that is pushing attention to a simple question from students and parents: what does an aircraft maintenance engineer actually earn? This 2026 update brings together the latest salary data, the factors that move pay, and what it means for anyone considering aircraft maintenance engineering (AME).
Quick Answer
What is the salary of an aircraft maintenance engineer in India in 2026? PayScale’s 2026 data shows an average base salary of about INR 7 lakh per year (around INR 58,000 per month). Entry-level engineers average about INR 5.5 lakh, experienced engineers about INR 13 lakh, and specialists with strong troubleshooting skills can average over INR 20 lakh. AME CEE cites starting salaries of around INR 7 to 8 lakh for well-placed graduates.
AME Salary in India at a Glance (2026)
| Category (PayScale 2026) | Average base per year | Approx. per month | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| All aircraft maintenance engineers (AME) | INR 7.0 lakh | INR 58,000 | Range roughly INR 1.7 lakh to INR 20 lakh |
| Entry-level | INR 5.5 lakh | INR 46,000 | Range roughly INR 1 lakh to INR 10 lakh |
| Experienced | INR 13 lakh | INR 1.08 lakh | Range roughly INR 2.4 lakh to INR 30 lakh |
| With avionics skills | INR 11 lakh | INR 92,000 | Skill tag, not the same as a B2 licence |
| Experienced, with maintenance skills | INR 17 lakh | INR 1.42 lakh | Self-reported, wide range |
| Experienced, with systems troubleshooting skills | INR 22 lakh | INR 1.83 lakh | Middle half of reports: INR 10 to 40 lakh |
| Starting salary cited by AME CEE | INR 7 to 8 lakh | INR 58,000 to 67,000 | For well-placed graduates |
Source: PayScale India, aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) salary pages, 2026 (self-reported base salary; monthly figures are the annual average divided by 12). Salaries vary widely by employer and role, so treat these as indicators, not offers. Please re-check the live PayScale pages before publishing.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Salary by Experience
- Entry level: New licence holders usually start in the lower part of the range while they gain hands-on and type experience. PayScale shows an average of about INR 5.5 lakh.
- Early to mid career: Pay rises as engineers add type ratings, take on certifying duties and move into shift lead roles.
- Experienced: Engineers with years of certifying experience average about INR 13 lakh, and those in specialist or senior roles earn much more.
For context, an older public-sector recruitment notice for experienced, type-rated contract AMEs at Air India Engineering Services in 2019 listed a monthly pay range of INR 95,000 to INR 1,28,000. It shows how experienced certifying engineers have long earned well above entry-level pay.
What Affects AME Salary?
| Factor | How it affects pay |
|---|---|
| Licence category | B1 (mechanical) and B2 (avionics) both earn well. Holding both, or adding type ratings, raises earning potential. See scope of AME. |
| Type ratings | Training on aircraft such as the A320 family or Boeing 737 makes you directly employable by airlines and MROs. |
| Experience and certifying authority | Engineers who can certify work and lead shifts earn more. |
| Employer | Airlines, MRO companies, manufacturers and defence organisations offer different pay structures. |
| Location | Metro cities such as Delhi often show higher pay ranges. PayScale’s Delhi data shows a broad range from about INR 5 lakh to INR 50 lakh in total pay. |
| International licence | An EASA licence opens overseas opportunities. |
Salary Trends in 2026: What Is Pushing Pay Up
- Fleet growth: Indian airlines are adding aircraft, which raises demand for B1 and B2 engineers. Read more on rising demand for B1 and B2 licensed engineers.
- New hangars: Air India and IndiGo are building large MRO facilities, with one airline alone reporting more than 1,000 vacancies. See the MRO boom in India.
- Talent gap: India trains about 3,500 maintenance graduates a year, but many lack type-specific experience. See why India needs 10,000+ new AMEs by 2030.
- Newer aircraft and digital systems: Modern fleets raise the value of avionics and troubleshooting skills.
We do not quote a year-on-year percentage change in salaries, because we found no reliable source for it. Check airline and MRO hiring notices for current offers.
How to Increase Your AME Salary
- Earn both B1 and B2 licences over time. Check the AME syllabus for how the modules are structured.
- Add type ratings on aircraft your target employers operate.
- Build certifying experience and move into shift lead or planning roles.
- Consider a degree such as the B.Tech in AME or B.Sc in AME for broader career options.
- Explore overseas routes through an EASA licence.
See more on career opportunities, the AME salary page and placement.
AME Course Details at a Glance
The Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (DGCA) course is a licence-based programme approved by DGCA. Here is a summary of AME engineering:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Course | Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME), DGCA licence programme |
| Duration | About 3 years, in 6 semesters with practical training (other sources list 2 to 4 years by institute and category) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, or a 3-year engineering diploma. See full AME eligibility |
| Age limit | 16 to 28 years at the time of admission |
| Medical | No colour blindness |
| Entrance exam | AME CEE 2027 |
| Licence streams | B1 (mechanical, B1.1 to B1.4) and B2 (avionics) |
| Syllabus | 17 DGCA modules (Modules 1 and 2 are not required for the DGCA course in India) |
| Tuition fees | Roughly INR 3 to 6 lakh for the full course, plus hostel of about INR 25,000 to 40,000 per semester. See AME fees |
| Starting salary | INR 7 to 8 lakh per year as cited on AME CEE (PayScale entry-level average is about INR 5.5 lakh) |
How to Get Admission: AME CEE 2027
AME CEE is the national-level common entrance exam for admission to AME and other aviation programmes. Registration for 2027 is open.
- Visit amecee.in and click Apply Now.
- Complete the registration with personal and additional details.
- Pay the registration fee: INR 1,200 for male candidates in the General and OBC categories, INR 1,000 for female candidates, SC/ST candidates and defence, navy or freedom-fighter categories.
- Receive the payment receipt by email, then check important dates and the AME admission process.
Scholarships of up to 100% on first-semester tuition are available based on All India Rank. See the scholarship page and practise with previous year papers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary of an aircraft maintenance engineer in India in 2026?
PayScale data for 2026 shows an average base salary of about INR 7 lakh per year (roughly INR 58,000 per month) for aircraft maintenance engineers in India, with a wide range from about INR 1.7 lakh at the low end to about INR 20 lakh at the 90th percentile. Pay depends heavily on experience, licence, type ratings and employer.
What is the starting salary of an AME in India?
PayScale puts the average entry-level base salary at about INR 5.5 lakh per year. AME CEE cites starting salaries of around INR 7 to 8 lakh per year for well-placed graduates. Actual offers depend on the employer, location and training.
How much do experienced aircraft maintenance engineers earn?
PayScale reports an average base of about INR 13 lakh per year for experienced aircraft maintenance engineers. Engineers with strong maintenance skills average about INR 17 lakh, and those with systems troubleshooting expertise average about INR 22 lakh, though these are self-reported figures with wide ranges.
Which pays more, B1 or B2?
Neither always pays more. Pay depends on employer, type ratings, experience and demand at the time. Avionics (B2) skills are becoming more valuable as aircraft rely more on digital systems, and many engineers aim to hold both licences over time.
What affects an aircraft maintenance engineer’s salary?
The main factors are licence category (B1 or B2), type ratings on aircraft such as the A320 family or Boeing 737, years of experience, employer (airline, MRO or manufacturer), city, shift and role level, and whether you work in India or overseas.
Is AME a good career in India in 2026?
Demand is strong because Indian airlines are adding aircraft and building new maintenance hangars. Salaries start moderately and grow substantially with experience, licences and type ratings.
What is the AME course duration, eligibility and fee?
The DGCA-approved AME course typically runs about 3 years in 6 semesters. Candidates need 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (or a 3-year engineering diploma), must be 16 to 28 years old at admission, must not be colour blind and must qualify AME CEE. Tuition is roughly INR 3 to 6 lakh for the full course.
How do I apply through AME CEE 2027?
Visit amecee.in, click Apply Now, complete the registration and pay the fee. Scholarships of up to 100% on first-semester tuition are available based on All India Rank.
Ready to start your AME career? Apply for AME CEE 2027 and compete for scholarships of up to 100%. Questions? Call 8377006001 or 8377006002, or email info@amecee.in.