Aircraft Mechanic Salary by State (2026)
Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in all 50 reporting states, from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025) data. Roughly 138,030 aircraft mechanics are employed across these states — the highest median pay is $105,370 in New Jersey, and the typical state median is about $77,870.
Top-Paying States
Full Table: All States
| # | State | Median Annual Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $105,370 | 1,900 |
| 2 | New York | $102,800 | 4,300 |
| 3 | Maryland | $100,500 | 1,070 |
| 4 | Washington | $98,980 | 4,480 |
| 5 | Connecticut | $96,830 | 1,430 |
| 6 | Nevada | $94,890 | 2,570 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $93,040 | 1,410 |
| 8 | Alaska | $91,150 | 1,470 |
| 9 | Hawaii | $90,830 | 1,150 |
| 10 | California | $86,100 | 12,590 |
| 11 | New Mexico | $84,440 | 860 |
| 12 | Texas | $84,440 | 16,850 |
| 13 | Delaware | $83,550 | 240 |
| 14 | Oregon | $82,850 | 1,080 |
| 15 | Alabama | $82,260 | 4,310 |
| 16 | Virginia | $82,200 | 2,260 |
| 17 | Colorado | $82,080 | 2,690 |
| 18 | Minnesota | $81,980 | 2,390 |
| 19 | Illinois | $81,680 | 3,370 |
| 20 | Tennessee | $81,040 | 4,670 |
| 21 | Ohio | $80,570 | 2,840 |
| 22 | Kansas | $80,270 | 1,440 |
| 23 | Louisiana | $79,780 | 1,150 |
| 24 | New Hampshire | $79,610 | 190 |
| 25 | Pennsylvania | $78,000 | 2,080 |
| 26 | North Dakota | $77,740 | 200 |
| 27 | North Carolina | $76,980 | 4,700 |
| 28 | Florida | $76,940 | 14,850 |
| 29 | Vermont | $76,370 | 160 |
| 30 | South Dakota | $75,750 | 150 |
| 31 | Georgia | $75,640 | 6,720 |
| 32 | Arizona | $75,300 | 5,670 |
| 33 | South Carolina | $75,160 | 1,660 |
| 34 | Michigan | $74,900 | 3,380 |
| 35 | Mississippi | $74,880 | 1,360 |
| 36 | Oklahoma | $74,390 | 8,550 |
| 37 | Wisconsin | $73,930 | 1,270 |
| 38 | Missouri | $71,470 | 1,700 |
| 39 | Rhode Island | $70,720 | 120 |
| 40 | Utah | $70,160 | 2,080 |
| 41 | Iowa | $69,890 | 330 |
| 42 | Kentucky | $67,920 | 1,680 |
| 43 | Maine | $67,890 | 190 |
| 44 | Arkansas | $65,420 | 720 |
| 45 | Montana | $64,170 | 310 |
| 46 | Nebraska | $64,020 | 410 |
| 47 | Indiana | $63,400 | 1,500 |
| 48 | Idaho | $61,250 | 600 |
| 49 | Wyoming | $56,680 | 340 |
| 50 | West Virginia | $45,470 | 590 |
| — | District of Columbia | — | — |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 state estimates. "—" means BLS did not publish an estimate for that state. Wages are medians — half of workers earn more. Click a column header to sort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do aircraft mechanics earn more in some states than others?
Pay tracks where the aviation work is. States with major airline hubs, MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) bases, or defense and aerospace manufacturing pay the most, and airline and government employers generally pay above independent repair stations. The A&P certificate is federal, so it travels with you to any state.
Is this what a beginner aircraft mechanic makes?
No — these are median wages across all experience levels, so half of aircraft mechanics earn more and half earn less. Apprentices and entry-level workers typically start around 40–60% of the experienced rate, with scheduled raises as they complete training. Within a few years, most reach or pass the figures in this table.
Do aircraft mechanics need a college degree?
No. Most aircraft mechanics train through paid apprenticeships or short certificate programs and earn while they learn — no four-year degree or student debt required. See our guide on how to become an apprentice.
Next Steps
Pay is only half the picture — training path, licensing, and demand matter just as much. Start here:
Full Aircraft Mechanic Career Guide → Compare All 31 Trades → How to Become an Apprentice