Aircraft Mechanic (A&P Licensed)
Trades/Construction · $79,870 median · ~1.5–2 years training · Structurally ineligible for Workforce Pell
How we know this
The wage and outlook figures are verified against the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS/OOH 2025), last reviewed August 20, 2026. We show our sources so you can check every number yourself.
Honest tradeoffs
safety critical responsibility
Aircraft mechanic work is safety-critical — errors can cost lives. Documentation requirements are strict. Regulatory oversight is significant (FAA inspections, airworthiness directives). Personal accountability is high.
shift work lifestyle
Major airline maintenance runs 24/7. Night shifts common (most aircraft maintenance during off-peak hours). Weekend and holiday coverage required. Sleep disruption affects long-term health.
Wages
Earnings by career stage
range · estimatedResearched estimates by experience level, setting, and region — see the full breakdown below. The BLS median is the one figure verified directly against bls.gov.
Pay by stage & setting
- Entry aircraft mechanic (post-A&P) $45-58K at regional carriers and general aviation
- Experienced A&P at major airline $65-85K with strong benefits (medical, retirement, travel privileges)
- Senior A&P with Inspection Authorization (IA) $85-110K+
- Lead mechanic / shop supervisor $95-125K+
- Avionics specialty $80-110K
- Field service engineer at OEM $90-130K+. Major airline benefits (medical, pension, flight privileges for family) materially increase total compensation beyond base wage. Stability is exceptional — A&P license is federal, portable across all 50 states.
Workforce Pell eligibility
Not eligible for Workforce Pell
Training
Ways in
Paid, on-the-job training combined with classroom hours — you get a wage from day one instead of paying tuition.
Common sponsors: Delta TechOps (Delta Air Lines maintenance), United Aviate (United Airlines), American Airlines Tulsa Maintenance Base, Southwest Airlines maintenance, FedEx Air Operations, UPS Airlines, Boeing Field Service, Lockheed Martin, Various MROs (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul facilities)
An associate degree or certificate — usually the fastest accredited credential, far cheaper than a four-year school, and often Workforce Pell–eligible.
Credentials you'll earnwith typical prep time
A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) License
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
FEDERAL license, portable across all 50 states. Lifetime cert (no renewal) but practical experience required to maintain proficiency. Industry standard; required for most aircraft maintenance work.
Source ↗Mechanic Examiner authority (advanced)
FAA
Optional advanced; commands premium for inspection work.
Source ↗Cost vs. payoff
- Training cost
- $12,000–$45,000
- Training pays for itself in
- about 7 months
The low end is the cheapest route in — a paid apprenticeship, community college, or employer-paid program (sometimes free); the high end is a private or for-profit school. The range is about which route you take, not extra certifications.
Getting started — your first moves
- 1
Find an apprenticeship
Apply to a registered apprenticeship — you earn a paycheck from day one while you train, instead of paying tuition.
- 2
Earn your first credential
Study for and pass the A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) License.
- 3
Get hired and grow
Land an entry role and start building experience — pay climbs as you move up the career ladder above.
See it where you live
The figures above are national. Pay and programs vary a lot by state — pick yours and we'll send you straight to the official local data, no guessing.
Career ladder
A&P Mechanic (entry)
Year 2$55,000Entry; regional carriers and MROs typical first employer
Training: Part 147 A&P school + FAA exam
Senior A&P Mechanic
Year 5$78,000Major airline transition typical; pay + benefits step up
Training: 5+ years experience + OEM type ratings
Lead Mechanic / IA
Year 9$105,000IA opens annual inspection + major repair authority; significant premium
Training: Inspection Authorization cert + leadership development
Director of Maintenance OR Field Service Engineer
Year 15$140,000Ceiling tier; major airline or OEM positions
Training: Senior management OR specialty engineering depth
In your state
State licensure
No state-specific licensure requirements documented in corpus.
Data limitations
- • BLS OEWS May 2025 per-occupation detail tables not yet pushed
- • Wage direct verification recommended
- • Per-state and per-MSA aircraft mechanic wage tables
- • Per-airline maintenance program application details
Common questions
How much does a Aircraft Mechanic (A&P Licensed) make?
The median wage is $79,870 per year (BLS OEWS 2025). Most earn between $48,780 and $128,890. Actual pay varies by region, employer, and experience.
How long does it take to become a Aircraft Mechanic (A&P Licensed)?
Typical training runs about 1.5 years. This is a non-degree path — no four-year college degree is required. Many people earn a paid wage during an apprenticeship instead of paying tuition.
Do you need a college degree to become a Aircraft Mechanic (A&P Licensed)?
No. Aircraft Mechanic (A&P Licensed) is a non-degree career path — you qualify through training, certification, and/or on-the-job experience rather than a four-year degree.
Is Aircraft Mechanic (A&P Licensed) eligible for Workforce Pell funding?
Not structurally — the typical program runs longer than the federal Workforce Pell hour cap, so it generally won't qualify for Workforce Pell. Other financial aid may still apply.
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