What is the salary and career path for a a&p mechanic?
A&P mechanic is a close match to Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (SOC 49-3011); the label names the FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate that most mechanics in the code hold. The OEWS May 2025 median is $79,870 a year ($38.40 an hour), from $48,780 at the 10th percentile to $128,890 at the 90th, with the certificate, ratings and Inspection Authorization driving pay. BLS projects 4% growth over 2024–2034, about average, with roughly 11,300 openings a year. The defining requirement is the FAA A&P certificate itself — earned through a Part 147 school or documented experience, then written, oral and practical exams.
- A&P Mechanics earn a national median $79,870/yr ($38.40/hr) (BLS OEWS May 2025, SOC 49-3011); the top 10% clear $128,890.
- The defining requirement is the FAA A&P certificate — earned through a Part 147 school or documented experience plus written, oral and practical exams.
- BLS projects 4% growth for 2024–34 across the aircraft-mechanic code, about average, with roughly 11,300 openings a year.
- The ladder runs from A&P student through certificated mechanic and Inspection Authorization to Director of Maintenance near $128,890.
Career Path
How do you become a a&p mechanic?
A&P Student / Apprentice
Trains toward the certificate in a Part 147 program; pay near the BLS 10th percentile.
Certificated A&P Mechanic
Holds the FAA A&P certificate and signs off maintenance — around the $79,870 median.
A&P with Inspection Authorization
Earns the IA to approve annuals and major repairs; earnings near the 75th percentile.
Director of Maintenance / DOM
Holds accountability for a fleet's airworthiness program; top-decile pay near the 90th percentile.
BLS Salary Data
Which state pays a&p mechanics the most in 2026?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, SOC 49-3011. National median: $79,870. Full salary guide →
Pay Comparison
How does a&p mechanic pay compare to related roles?
Head-to-head against the roles a&p mechanics most often weigh against. BLS OEWS May 2025 medians.
Takeaway: a&p mechanics rank 3 of 4 on median pay among the comparable roles above, with a projected +4% employment change 2024–34 (BLS Employment Projections). Pay position and projected demand together are what determine how quickly a&p mechanics clear offers across the GlobalCybers placement network.
Methodology & Sources
How this guide is sourced and reviewed
Wages (BLS): All median and percentile figures are BLS OEWS May 2025, SOC 49-3011 (a&p mechanics) and the matching SOC codes for each comparison role. OEWS is sampled on a rolling 3-year basis and published ~10 months after collection, so treat it as a firm anchor rather than a spot rate.
Job growth: Projected 2024–34 employment change, and the average annual openings figure, are from the BLS Employment Projections program, by occupation. Openings are a per-year average over the projection decade, not a decade total.
Licensing & credentials:Requirements are drawn from the issuing state licensing boards and the certifying body behind each credential — not from third-party aggregators.
Demand signal:Any statement about how quickly this role clears offers reflects GlobalCybers placement request volume across the trailing 12 months — our own network data, offered as a directional real-world indicator alongside BLS, not a market-wide survey.
Credentials
What licences and certifications do a&p mechanics need?
The federal mechanic certificate — with airframe and powerplant ratings — that defines the role. See all state licences →
Held after three years as an A&P; authorizes approving annual and major-repair inspections.
Additional FAA repairman authority and manufacturer type training for specific fleets.
Tools & Software
What tools and software do a&p mechanics use on the job?
⚙️ Core Tools & Equipment
📊 BLS Employment Data, SOC 49-3011
Salary Levers
How do a&p mechanics earn above the $79,870 BLS median?
Inspection Authorization
Earning the IA on top of the A&P moves pay from the $79,870 median toward the $128,890 top decile.
Both ratings and experience
Holding both airframe and powerplant ratings with fleet experience lifts pay above the $48,780 p10.
Advancement to Director of Maintenance
DOM and airworthiness-management roles reach the top of the wage range.
This Route vs. College
Is becoming an a&p mechanic worth it vs. a 4-year degree?
The entry route into this role, set against a four-year degree. Same starting line, side by side.
Entry-level (10th percentile) and all-level median wages: BLS OEWS May 2025, SOC 49-3011. Student-debt figure: median federal borrower balance for bachelor's-degree completers. Starting-salary comparison is illustrative and varies by field and region.
FAQ
A&P Mechanic Career, Frequently Asked Questions
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