I’ve been working in aviation Mx for 20 years and just broke 100k from my aviation income. (I farm on the side with my dad as well). This included mid-management positions at a repair station, small defense contractor and heli-EMS.

Sadly, even with the supposed “shortage “, I still get lowballed when I apply for different aviation Mx jobs. You want to know then even sadder part? I get more and substantially better offers outside of aviation, mostly in the Ag industry for farm equipment tech support with pay/benefits that are better than most Majors. At the last farm show I went to CaseIH was going to sling $120k with company truck and generous retirement my way.

I just hit 1600 hours (I own my own airplane, luckily) and am actively trying to get a LCC or corporate flying job. If that doesn’t work out (or I loose my medical), then I’m getting out of aviation completely as a career altogether. Of my 5 close friends I still talk to, (that graduated with a 4 year AP/Avionics degree) I’m the only one left that turns wrenches still. Not to be a d!ck, but aviation Mx with the low pay, and liability concerns, is a absolutely terrible career choice as it sits now.

For experienced guys like me, the career going get even worse as more workload to pushed to guys that can actually fix things. Hopefully that won’t directly directly affect me in my future career.