So, How Much Does an Aircraft Broker Make?

Ever wondered how much an aircraft broker makes? We get that question a lot. Here's the thing: it's not an easy question to answer because so many variables are at play. For example, the size of the aircraft purchased and the economy can affect how much a broker makes. Keep reading to learn more!

Aircraft brokers typically earn a commission on the sale of an aircraft, which is a percentage of the total sale price. Aircraft brokers usually charge a commission of 1%-10% of the final sales price. But, of course, it all depends on their negotiating skills, reputation, and aircraft type. 

Generally, larger aircraft sell for more money than smaller ones. This means brokers who specialize in selling large jets will usually earn higher commissions than those who specialize in selling smaller aircraft like propeller planes or piston-engine airplanes. 

For example, if a 2006 Hawker 850 XP is sold for $5 million, a 1.5% commission would earn the broker $75,000. However, if a 1978 Cessna 414 is sold for $500,000, a 5% commission would earn the broker $25,000, and if a 1946 Aeronca Champ sold for $50,000, a %10 commission would earn the broker $5,000. So, as you can see, even though you can negotiate a higher percentage to represent smaller airplanes, the size and type of aircraft dramatically impact how much money a broker makes. 

This is the commission from a small piston aircraft.

Another critical factor to consider is the state of the economy: When the economy is doing well, people tend to have more disposable income and are, therefore, more likely to buy luxury items like private jets. But, on the other hand, when times are tough economically speaking, people are less likely to make big purchases—including aircraft—which can lead to lower sales for brokers.

So how Much Does an Aircraft Broker Make? It depends! Many factors can affect how much an aircraft broker earns in commission, including the aircraft type, economy, and inventory. Now that you know a bit more, you can start to get an idea of just how lucrative being an aircraft broker can be!