What is an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)?
A Complete Guide for Aspiring Aviation Professionals | MACH 9
When most people think of aviation careers, they picture pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, or air traffic controllers. But behind every safe flight is an entire medical certification system designed to ensure pilots are physically and mentally fit to operate an aircraft. At the center of that system is the Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
For anyone interested in both medicine and aviation, becoming an AME offers a rewarding career with high flexibility, strong earning potential, and a direct impact on safety. This guide breaks down what an AME is, how to become one, what the job pays, and — just as importantly — what kind of lifestyle you can expect from it.
What Exactly Is an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)?
An Aviation Medical Examiner is a physician designated by the FAA (or an equivalent regulatory authority in other countries) to conduct medical exams for:
Airline transport pilots (First-Class Medical)
Commercial pilots (Second-Class Medical)
Private pilots and student pilots (Third-Class Medical)
Air traffic controllers (in certain situations)
AMEs evaluate a pilot’s:
Vision
Hearing
Cardiovascular health
Neurological function
Mental health
Medication usage
Overall physical condition
Their job is to determine whether a pilot meets the medical standards required for safe flight. This role is not just administrative — AMEs are part of the safety culture that keeps aviation among the safest forms of transportation in the world.
How Do You Become an AME?
The pathway to becoming an AME is structured but highly achievable for licensed physicians.
1️⃣ Become a Licensed Physician (MD or DO)
You must first complete medical school, residency, and obtain an active, unrestricted medical license. Common specialties among AMEs include:
Family medicine
Internal medicine
Aerospace medicine
Cardiology
Occupational medicine
But any licensed physician can apply.
2️⃣ Apply to the FAA for AME Designation
This involves submitting:
Proof of licensure
Clinical background
Professional certifications
Clinic details
The FAA reviews applications and prioritizes regions where more AMEs are needed.
3️⃣ Attend FAA Training at the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI)
All AMEs must complete FAA-provided training covering:
Aviation physiology
Human factors
Vision standards
Cardiovascular guidelines
Neuropsychological considerations
Medication restrictions
Special issuance procedures
Refresher training is required periodically to maintain designation.
4️⃣ Start Performing Medical Exams
Once approved, an AME can begin issuing:
First-Class medical certificates (for airline captains)
Second-Class medical certificates (for commercial pilots)
Third-Class medical certificates (for private pilots)
Most AMEs also perform EKGs, vision testing, hearing screenings, and coordinate special issuances for pilots with underlying medical conditions.
AME Salary: What You Can Expect to Earn
AMEs are not paid by the FAA. They set their own fees and pilots pay directly for their exams.
Typical Exam Fees:
Medical ClassTypical FeeFirst-Class$120–$200Second-Class$100–$175Third-Class$80–$150
Income depends entirely on patient volume.
⭐ Income Estimates Based on Workload
Part-Time AME (10–40 exams/month)
Income: $15,000–$50,000/year
Best for doctors doing AME work alongside their main practice.
Full-Time or High-Volume AME (10–30 exams/day)
Income: $150,000–$300,000/year
Ideal for physicians who want to focus primarily on aviation medicine.
Specialized AME / HIMS Provider
(HIMS = FAA’s substance/mental health evaluation program.)
Income: $250,000–$350,000+ per year
Higher fees + more complex evaluations.
Lifestyle, Workload, and What You Can Afford as an AME
One of the most appealing aspects of becoming an AME is the work–life balance and lifestyle flexibility. You can scale your workload depending on your goals, income targets, and personal preferences.
Let’s break down what life looks like at various income levels.
Lifestyle at $20,000–$50,000/year (Part-Time AME)
Most AMEs begin here, adding aviation medicine to an existing clinical practice.
Workload
1–3 days per month
Low stress, predictable flow
Mostly routine pilot exams
Zero emergencies or overnight shifts
Lifestyle Summary
Think of this as a passion project that also pays well. You get to work with pilots, stay connected to aviation, and earn meaningful supplemental income with almost no added stress.
Lifestyle at $100,000–$200,000/year (High-Volume AME)
This income tier provides an upper-middle-class lifestyle with excellent work–life balance.
Workload
3–5 clinic days per week
10–30 pilot exams daily
Consistent hours; no emergencies
Well-organized workflow with staff support
Lifestyle Summary
At this income level, AMEs enjoy the type of lifestyle many medical specialists want but rarely achieve without burnout: strong income, predictable hours, and genuine autonomy.
Lifestyle at $250,000–$350,000+ (Specialized/HIMS AME)
This represents the top earning tier for AMEs and comes with excellent financial freedom.
Workload
4–5 days per week
Combination of routine and HIMS exams
Staff-managed, highly efficient clinic
Lifestyle Summary
At this level, AMEs enjoy the lifestyle of highly paid specialists — but without the 70–80 hour workweeks, call schedules, or emergency stressors.
Overall Quality of Life for AMEs
Some universal lifestyle perks apply at every level:
No night shifts
No emergency call-ins
Control over your schedule
Predictable, appointment-based workdays
Low liability relative to other medical fields
Engagement with a professional, aviation-loving community
Work that matters — you keep pilots flying safely
AMEs consistently report high job satisfaction, partly because pilots are motivated, health-conscious, and appreciative patients.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an Aviation Medical Examiner is more than a medical certification—it’s a lifestyle choice that blends medicine, aviation, safety, flexibility, and financial stability.
Whether you're:
A physician seeking supplementary income,
A doctor wanting to transition out of stressful clinical work, or
Someone passionate about aviation medicine as a full-time career,
the AME path offers steady demand, strong income potential, minimal stress, and a fulfilling connection to flight.
