Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Wage Trends in the UK and Europe
Setting The Scene
Aircraft Maintenance engineer wage demands across the UK and Europe are evolving quickly. Demand continues to outstrip supply, and with retirements accelerating, engineers are now negotiating stronger packages than ever before. Pay bands are shifting upwards, incentives are expanding, and many employers are rethinking what competitive offers look like in 2025. This article explores salary benchmarks, regional differences, and the growing role of bonuses and benefits. It also looks ahead to how packages may develop over the next five years in a constantly growing industry.
What is clear is that compensation strategy is no longer a simple benchmarking exercise. Employers are not just competing on base pay but also on total package value, speed of onboarding, and long-term development opportunities such as training and upskilling. Understanding these nuances is essential for any organisation seeking to stay competitive in the talent market.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Wage Trends in the UK
Entry-Level Roles
For trainees and unlicensed junior technicians starting their careers, salaries typically fall in the £20,000–£30,000 range, with the national average currently around £25,471. These roles are essential stepping stones, providing supervised experience and exposure to maintenance environments while technicians build knowledge and progress toward their licences.
Licensed Engineers
Once licensed, engineers can expect significant jumps in compensation. Across the UK, average salaries for B1 and B2 licensed aircraft engineers currently range from £36,973 to £59,879 depending on location and experience. Engineers with multiple type ratings or specialist approvals are now securing £70,000–£85,000, with some roles reaching £90,000 in cases of high demand. In London, the average sits around £52,510, which is competitive but slightly below regions where contract opportunities drive higher figures. Employers particularly value expertise gained through years of service and strong professional qualifications.
Contractors
Contractor pay shows a different pattern. In 2025, standard roles are paying £350–£550 per day, with urgent assignments for AOG cover or specialist types sometimes reaching £70–£90 per hour. These short-term contracts can be attractive for engineers with niche approvals or those seeking flexibility, but they do not always annualise as strongly as permanent roles that include benefits and paid leave. As companies respond to industry demand, contractors are increasingly recognised as responsible professionals who provide essential support to keep operations running smoothly.
Regional Variations Across Europe
Western Europe
In Germany, licensed engineers are earning between €68,000 and €74,000. In France and the Netherlands, packages fall into a similar band but are often supplemented with generous benefits such as relocation support, pension contributions, or family allowances. These benefits can add significant value, especially for engineers relocating from the UK or other regions.
Central and Eastern Europe
In Poland and Hungary, base salaries are lower, averaging closer to €48,000–€65,000, but contractor demand remains strong. MROs in these countries are scaling night shifts and offering flexible rosters to attract engineers from across the continent. These facilities often rely on contractors to cover peaks in workload, offering competitive short-term rates relative to local cost of living.
Certification Premiums
A consistent theme across the region is the premium attached to dual CAA and EASA certification. Engineers holding both approvals can add 15–20% to their base pay, as employers value the operational flexibility this brings. This premium is particularly relevant for cross-border operations and multinational airlines that require compliance with both regulatory systems.
Incentives and Benefits Beyond Base Pay
Signing and Retention Bonuses
Employers across Europe are increasingly offering signing bonuses to secure in-demand talent, particularly in Germany, France, and Poland. These bonuses can range from €2,000 to €10,000 depending on urgency and skillset. In many cases, they are paired with retention bonuses that reward engineers for completing full project cycles or staying beyond a minimum tenure.
Rostering Models
Shift models are also becoming a defining part of the offer. Alternatives to the traditional five-day week, such as 7-on/7-off or rolling rotations, are increasingly popular. For engineers working away from home, a 7/7 roster is particularly attractive. It allows them to work intensively for a week, then spend a full week at home with family, even if they are commuting internationally. This pattern has widened the candidate pool for employers in Germany, the UK, and France, as it draws in contractors from Poland, Portugal, and Ireland who are willing to travel further afield for work if the downtime is sufficient. Employers that have adopted these models are seeing stronger retention even without offering the absolute highest salaries.
Relocation and Type Ratings
Relocation support is another growing feature. Packages may include assistance with housing, schooling for children, or spousal support. Type rating sponsorship is also standard at many MROs, with employers paying for or subsidising new approvals. Upskilling into dual B1/B2 roles or broadening approvals is becoming a central part of career progression, and engineers are paying close attention to which employers invest in these opportunities.
Career Development
More than three-quarters of European maintenance facilities now provide structured career development or upskilling as part of their core employment offering. It’s no longer just about today’s role – engineers want to see the long-term pathway before committing.
What the Future Holds
Upward Salary Pressure
Looking ahead, compensation trends are expected to continue rising. In the UK, licensed engineer salaries are on course to reach higher averages by the end of the decade, with many forecasts pointing to £70,000–£80,000 as a likely range. Contractor day rates could also climb further in high-demand scenarios, particularly for rare aircraft types or urgent AOG cover. Across Europe, salaries are projected to increase at a rate of 4–5% annually, with a projected 19% shortage of certified engineers by 2028 keeping upward pressure on wages.
Salary Arbitrage and Market Tensions
But salary growth also creates tensions. If Western European pay continues to rise at its current pace, operators may increasingly look east or south to manage costs. Heavy checks and modification work are already being routed to lower-cost bases in Central Europe, Turkey, and North Africa. This form of salary arbitrage allows operators to reduce headline labour spend, but it does not remove the need for licensed certifying engineers, who must still oversee and sign off the work. In other words, cost can be shifted, but compliance cannot. Employers will need to balance the financial benefits of moving work with the operational risk of managing dispersed teams.
The Competitive Edge
The outlook is especially strong for engineers with multiple type ratings or dual approvals. These individuals are already receiving multiple job offers within weeks of entering the market and will continue to command the highest premiums. Employers unable to compete on base pay alone will need to differentiate themselves with incentives, career development, and roster flexibility. The future market is likely to be defined not only by salary levels, but by how intelligently employers structure their workforce to balance high-cost, compliance-critical staff with lower-cost throughput in other regions.
Key Takeaway
Pay and benefits for licensed aircraft engineers in the UK and Europe are on a steep upward trajectory. Regional differences remain, with Germany and Northern Europe leading in headline salaries and benefits, while Central and Eastern Europe compete through contractor-heavy models. Beyond wages, incentives such as flexible rostering, development opportunities, and relocation support are reshaping what engineers can expect from employers. For engineers, this means greater bargaining power than ever. For employers, it means adapting packages to secure and retain the certified staff that keep fleets moving.
Chevron’s Role
At Chevron Recruitment, we specialise in helping aviation employers attract and retain the engineering talent they need. Whether scaling base maintenance, managing contract peaks, or planning long-term workforce strategies, we connect you with certified B1 and B2 engineers who are ready to deliver.
If you are hiring, partner with us to secure the talent your operation depends on. If you are a licensed engineer exploring your next opportunity, we can help you find a role that matches your skills and career goals.
Let’s keep aviation moving, together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer earn?
In the UK, entry-level aircraft maintenance engineers typically earn around £20,000–£30,000 per year, with the national average near £25,471. Once licensed, salaries rise sharply, with most B1 and B2 engineers earning between £36,973 and £59,879 depending on experience and location. Highly qualified professionals with multiple type ratings can earn £70,000–£85,000, with some roles exceeding £90,000 in high-demand areas.
Across Europe, average salaries vary: licensed engineers in Germany often earn €68,000–€74,000, while Central and Eastern European roles may fall between €48,000–€65,000. Contractor day rates also remain strong, ranging from £350–£550 per day in the UK and higher for urgent AOG cover.
Are contractor rates higher than permanent salaries for aircraft engineers?
Contractor rates can be higher on paper, with UK engineers earning £350–£550 per day and urgent cover roles reaching £70–£90 per hour. However, permanent positions often offer stronger overall packages when benefits, pensions, and paid leave are included. The best choice depends on whether an engineer values short-term flexibility or long-term security.
Will aircraft maintenance engineer salaries continue to rise?
Yes. Industry forecasts point to steady growth, with licensed engineer salaries in the UK expected to reach £70,000–£80,000 by the end of the decade. A shortage of certified staff across Europe is also pushing wages higher, with salaries projected to increase by 4–5% annually. Engineers with multiple type ratings or dual approvals will remain in the strongest position to command top pay.
Do salaries differ between commercial aircraft and military aircraft maintenance roles?
Yes. Most licensed engineers work in commercial aircraft maintenance, where salaries are driven by airline demand and regional shortages. Military aircraft roles, often linked to the armed forces, may offer lower base pay but can include security clearance, stable contracts, and long-term benefits.
What industry trends are shaping future compensation?
Technology is changing how maintenance is carried out across the aerospace engineering industry. Digital verification tools, computer-aided design (CAD), and advanced testing methods are improving performance and efficiency. Engineers who keep up with these changes will be better positioned as salaries continue to rise.
For engineers, this means stronger negotiating power.
For employers, it means adapting packages to secure certified staff.