Aircraft mechanics maintain and repair the aircraft that keep the aviation industry flying. The national median is $78,680 (BLS 2024). Entry requires an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate — the federal license to work on aircraft. FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician schools run 18–24 months. This is one of the most credentialed and respected trade careers in the country.
The Path to Becoming An Aircraft Mechanic
Finish high school or get your GED
Every accredited aircraft mechanic program requires a diploma or GED. Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail are essential. Aircraft maintenance is safety-critical — precision matters more here than in almost any other trade.
Choose your training path
Review the three training options below — vocational certificate, apprenticeship, and community college — and choose the one that fits your timeline, budget, and market availability.
Complete your program
FAA-approved AMT schools cover airframes, powerplants, hydraulics, avionics basics, and FAA regulations. Programs run 18–24 months and qualify graduates to sit for FAA A&P certification exams.
Build your credentials
18 months of practical experience under a certificated A&P mechanic qualifies you to sit for the FAA exams if you do not attend an FAA-approved school. Most people use the school route.
Obtain required licenses or certifications
The FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate is the federal license required to work as an aircraft mechanic. It is not state-specific — it is federally issued and recognized nationwide.
How to Become An Aircraft Mechanic
Not all paths are equal in time, cost, or guaranteed entry. Here is an honest breakdown of each.
The primary path. FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) schools provide the structured curriculum required to sit for the FAA A&P certification exams. Programs typically run 18–24 months.
- Program cost: $10,000–$30,000 depending on school
- 18–24 months to completion
- Qualifies graduates to sit for FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification exams
- FAA A&P certificate is a federal license recognized nationwide
- Most programs have airline and MRO employer connections
Military aviation training (Army 15T, Navy AD, Air Force 2A) is a direct and highly respected path to A&P certification. Military veterans with aviation maintenance experience can often convert to civilian A&P with minimal additional training.
- Military aviation MOS/rating provides A&P-qualifying experience
- Veterans with documented military aviation maintenance hours can sit for FAA exams directly
- Highly respected by civilian employers — military training is rigorous
- GI Bill can fund FAA-approved civilian school for credential completion
On-the-job experience — 18 months of documented hands-on experience under a certificated A&P mechanic qualifies you to sit for FAA exams without attending school. This path is less common but valid.
- 18 months documented OJT under a certificated A&P mechanic
- Harder to find employers willing to provide this structured OJT
- FAA validates experience before allowing exam eligibility
- Less common than the AMT school path — school is more reliable
Licensing & Requirements By State
Requirements vary significantly by state. Here are the specifics for Forged Careers’ primary markets.
Florida
- FAA A&P certificate: federal, not state-specific
- Florida: major MRO hub (Miami, Jacksonville)
- American, United, and JetBlue maintenance bases in FL
- Aviation maintenance technician schools throughout FL
Texas
- FAA A&P certificate: federal, not state-specific
- Dallas/Fort Worth: American Airlines maintenance hub
- Houston: major MRO and aviation services center
- Strong commercial and military aviation maintenance market
Georgia
- FAA A&P certificate: federal, not state-specific
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson: busiest airport in the world
- Delta Air Lines maintenance hub in Atlanta
- Strong demand for A&P mechanics in the Atlanta metro
Washington
- FAA A&P certificate: federal, not state-specific
- Boeing: major employer of A&P mechanics in WA
- Alaska Airlines maintenance base in Seattle
- Highest wages nationally for aircraft maintenance
Tennessee
- FAA A&P certificate: federal, not state-specific
- Nashville and Memphis: growing aviation maintenance markets
- FedEx World Hub in Memphis: major cargo aircraft maintenance
- Strong manufacturing and defense aviation presence
Source: State licensing board requirements as of 2026. Always verify current requirements directly with your state board before applying to a program.
Aircraft Mechanic Career FAQ
What is an FAA A&P certificate?
The FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate is the federal license required to perform maintenance and repairs on aircraft. It is issued by the FAA after passing written, oral, and practical exams. It is not state-specific — it is recognized everywhere in the US. You cannot legally work as an aircraft mechanic on certificated aircraft without it.
How long does it take to become an aircraft mechanic?
FAA-approved AMT school programs run 18–24 months and qualify you to sit for the A&P certification exams. Military veterans with qualifying aviation maintenance experience can often accelerate this timeline. After certification, most mechanics continue learning on specific aircraft types for the first 1–2 years of their career.
How much does aircraft mechanic school cost?
FAA-approved AMT programs run $10,000–$30,000 depending on the school. Many programs are eligible for federal financial aid. GI Bill benefits can cover significant portions for veterans. Community college aviation programs tend to be less expensive than private aviation schools.
What is the job outlook for aircraft mechanics?
BLS projects 4% growth through 2034. The bigger driver is replacement demand — a large cohort of experienced A&P mechanics is approaching retirement age and the pipeline of new mechanics has not kept pace. Airlines, MRO facilities, and cargo carriers are actively competing for qualified A&P mechanics.
What types of aircraft mechanics make the most money?
Avionics specialists, engine run-up mechanics, and those with experience on specific high-demand aircraft types (Boeing 737, Airbus A320 family) earn premium wages. Major airline and cargo carrier maintenance facilities pay significantly more than smaller general aviation shops.
Do aircraft mechanics need to renew their license?
The FAA A&P certificate itself does not expire. However, to exercise the privilege of the certificate you must have performed maintenance within the past 24 months or complete a recency of experience requirement. Avionics work requires a separate FCC license.
See What Aircraft Mechanics Earn
In Your State
Get your free salary projection — built from 2024 BLS data. Federal license, nationwide demand.
Free for workers · Always · Forged Careers matches you with programs near you