AME/TEA Salary Quebec 2025-2026: How Much Do Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Earn?

Quebec Aviation Industry Overview

Quebec's aerospace sector is the third-largest in North America, generating over $15 billion in annual revenue and employing more than 40,000 people. Aircraft maintenance is a significant component of this ecosystem, with major OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and specialized MRO facilities concentrated in the Montreal region.

The key employers for AMEs/TEAs in Quebec include:

• Bombardier — One of the world's largest business jet manufacturers. Bombardier's service centres in Montreal (Mirabel and Dorval) employ hundreds of AMEs for line maintenance, heavy checks, and modifications on Challenger, Global, and Learjet aircraft.
• CAE — Global leader in aviation training and simulation. CAE's maintenance operations in Montreal support their training fleet and third-party contracts.
• Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) — Headquartered in Longueuil, P&WC is a world leader in turbine engine manufacturing and overhaul. Their engine MRO facility employs specialized AMEs for PT6 and PW100 series engine maintenance.
• Air Canada — Major maintenance base at Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) performing line maintenance and heavy checks on the airline's Airbus and Boeing fleets.
• Avianor / Innotech-Execaire / Premier Aviation — Independent MROs offering competitive compensation packages for licensed AMEs.

AME/TEA Salary Ranges in Quebec by Experience Level

Salaries for AMEs and TEAs in Quebec follow a clear progression from apprentice through senior technician. The figures below are based on industry surveys, job postings, and Transport Canada data from early 2026.

Apprentice AME/TEA (Years 1-2)

Entry-level apprentices in Quebec typically earn between $38,000 and $48,000 CAD annually. At this stage, work is primarily assisting senior technicians, performing basic inspections, managing tool inventory, and completing documentation. Apprentices at Bombardier and P&WC tend to be at the higher end of this range, while those at smaller regional MROs may start lower. Most apprentices receive a wage review after the first 12 months, with increases tied to competency milestones.

Apprentice AME/TEA (Years 3-4)

As apprentices gain experience and begin preparing for their Transport Canada exams, salaries rise to $48,000 to $58,000. At this stage, apprentices are given more independent responsibilities — performing routine inspections, conducting component replacements, and beginning to work on more complex systems. Many Quebec employers offer tuition reimbursement and study time support for apprentices actively preparing for their written exams.

Newly Licensed AME/TEA

The transition from apprentice to licensed AME is the single biggest salary jump in the profession. Newly licensed AMEs in Quebec can expect starting salaries of $60,000 to $75,000, depending on their rating (M1 or M2) and employer. The jump represents a 30-50% increase over apprentice wages — which is why investing in efficient exam preparation has such a strong financial return. M2-rated technicians at Bombardier or Air Canada often start at the upper end of this range.

Licensed AME/TEA with 3-5 Years Experience

With several years of licensed experience, AMEs in Quebec earn between $72,000 and $92,000. At this career stage, technicians have typically developed proficiency on multiple aircraft types, can handle complex troubleshooting independently, and may begin taking on leadership roles on shifts. Those with additional endorsements or specialized training (e.g., NDT certification, composite repair) command premiums above the base range.

Senior AME/TEA and Lead Technicians

Senior technicians with 8+ years of licensed experience and lead technicians at major Quebec employers earn $90,000 to $115,000. These roles include supervising work crews, signing off on complex maintenance tasks, mentoring junior technicians, and often serving as the primary technical point of contact for shift operations. At Bombardier's service centres, senior Global 7500 and Challenger 350 specialists consistently earn at the top of this bracket.

Chief Engineer / Maintenance Manager

At the top of the career ladder, chief engineers and maintenance managers at Quebec MROs, airlines, and OEM service centres earn $110,000 to $140,000+. These roles involve regulatory compliance oversight, budget management, workforce planning, and strategic decision-making. Many require the AME license as a foundation credential, combined with management experience and often additional certifications.

Salary by Employer: Bombardier, CAE, Pratt & Whitney Canada

Compensation varies significantly by employer in Quebec. Here is how the major players compare:

Bombardier

As Quebec's largest aerospace employer, Bombardier offers competitive compensation with structured pay grades. Licensed AMEs at Bombardier service centres start at $65,000 to $78,000. With experience, Bombardier technicians earn $80,000 to $105,000. The company offers shift premiums (typically 15% for afternoon/night shifts), overtime at 1.5x base rate, comprehensive benefits including a defined contribution pension plan, and employee discounts on Bombardier products. Bonuses are tied to individual and facility performance targets.

Pratt & Whitney Canada

P&WC's engine MRO facility in Longueuil is one of the most technically advanced in the world. Licensed AMEs at P&WC earn $68,000 to $95,000, with senior engine specialists reaching $110,000. The compensation package includes a generous profit-sharing program, a strong defined benefit pension plan, and extensive training opportunities. P&WC is known for investing heavily in technician development, with many AMEs earning multiple engine type endorsements.

CAE

CAE's maintenance operations support their global training fleet and third-party contracts. Licensed AMEs at CAE earn $62,000 to $88,000. The company offers a modern work environment with significant international exposure — CAE AMEs may have opportunities for temporary assignments at their training centres worldwide. Benefits include a share purchase plan, health spending account, and structured career progression.

Air Canada (YUL Base)

Air Canada's Montreal base is one of its largest maintenance facilities. Unionized AMEs at Air Canada earn $70,000 to $100,000 under a collective agreement with the IAMAW. Benefits include industry-leading health coverage, a defined benefit pension, travel privileges, and guaranteed annual wage increases. The unionized environment provides strong job security and clear seniority-based progression.

M1 vs M2 Salary Differences in Quebec

The choice between M1 and M2 ratings has significant salary implications in Quebec:

• M1-rated AMEs in Quebec typically earn $58,000 to $85,000. M1 roles are concentrated at general aviation operators, flight schools (such as those in Saint-Hubert and Gatineau), and small regional operators. While the salary ceiling is lower than M2, M1 AMEs benefit from lower cost-of-living requirements in smaller Quebec communities and often report higher job satisfaction and work-life balance.
• M2-rated AMEs in Quebec earn $68,000 to $110,000+. The premium reflects the ability to work on Bombardier business jets, Air Canada's Airbus fleet, and P&WC's turbine engines. M2 technicians at major employers consistently earn $8,000 to $18,000 more annually than their M1 counterparts in similar roles.

Many Quebec AMEs pursue dual ratings — starting with M1 and adding M2 later. Dual-rated technicians are the most versatile and command the highest salaries, particularly at employers like Bombardier where they can work across both business jet and component shop environments.

Montreal vs Regional Quebec Salaries

Geographic location within Quebec affects AME compensation. The Montreal region (including Mirabel, Dorval, and Longueuil) accounts for the majority of aviation jobs and pays the highest wages due to the concentration of major employers and higher cost of living. Licensed AMEs in Montreal earn $65,000 to $100,000 on average.

Regional Quebec offers lower base salaries but significantly lower housing costs and a different quality of life:

• Quebec City — Limited but growing aviation sector. AMEs earn $55,000 to $78,000. Lower cost of living partially offsets the salary difference.
• Saguenay (Chicoutimi) — Home to regional MRO activity. AMEs earn $52,000 to $72,000. The Cégep de Chicoutimi's maintenance program feeds local talent.
• Sept-Îles and Côte-Nord — Helicopter and remote operations. AMEs earn $65,000 to $90,000 with significant remote location premiums and housing allowances.
• Gaspésie and Îles-de-la-Madeleine — Small aviation maintenance communities. Earnings range from $50,000 to $70,000, often with employer-provided housing or transportation.

Benefits and Compensation Beyond Base Salary

Total compensation for Quebec AMEs extends well beyond base salary. Typical additional benefits include:

• Shift premiums — 12-18% additional pay for afternoon, night, and weekend shifts. Rotating shift schedules at major operators can add $8,000 to $15,000 annually.
• Overtime — Paid at 1.5x base rate. Many AMEs willingly work overtime, and at major employers, 200-400 hours of overtime per year is common, adding $12,000 to $25,000 to annual earnings.
• Pension and RRSP matching — Defined benefit (DB) pensions at unionized employers (Air Canada, some MROs) or defined contribution (DC) plans with employer matching at most others.
• Health and dental benefits — Comprehensive coverage is standard at major employers.
• Training allowances — Many Quebec employers pay for additional type ratings, endorsements, and professional development.
• Travel benefits — Air Canada and other airlines offer standby travel privileges for employees and their families.

How to Maximize Your AME Salary in Quebec

Quebec AMEs who earn the highest salaries share common career strategies:

• Get licensed as quickly as possible — Every year as an apprentice instead of a licensed AME costs $20,000-$30,000. Use efficient exam preparation with Sky Licence to accelerate your timeline.
• Earn the M2 rating — The M2 premium is substantial at Quebec's major employers. If you start with M1, plan to add M2 as soon as you qualify.
• Target Bombardier, P&WC, or unionized roles — These employers offer the highest total compensation packages in the province.
• Specialize in high-value areas — Turbine engine overhaul, business jet systems, and composite repair are particularly well-compensated specializations in Quebec.
• Consider bilingual advantage — Montreal-based employers strongly prefer bilingual (French/English) AMEs. Fluency in both languages opens doors to higher-paying roles and international opportunities.

How Sky Licence Helps You Earn Your License — and Your Higher Salary — Faster

Sky Licence is an AI-powered study platform built specifically for Transport Canada AME/TEA exams. Every minute you spend preparing with our platform is targeted at the exact content that appears on the exams, helping you pass faster and start earning your licensed salary sooner.

• Complete TP14038E syllabus coverage — All five exam domains, including French-language support for Quebec candidates.
• Adaptive AI difficulty — Focuses on your weakest areas to maximize study efficiency.
• Real exam simulations — Timed practice exams that mirror the actual Transport Canada testing environment.
• AI Tutor — Instant explanations of complex topics in plain English or French.
• Progress tracking — Know exactly when you're ready to book your exam.

Start preparing with Sky Licence →