Aircraft Mechanic in Alabama: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Alabama employs 4,310 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $82,260 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Alabama licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Alabama (May 2025)
- Alabama median pay
- $82,260 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,350
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $94,970
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $98,440
- Employed in Alabama
- 4,310
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Alabama markets:
- Mobile
- $82,260 (840 employed)
- Montgomery
- $80,810 (130 employed)
- Huntsville
- $64,910 (320 employed)
- Birmingham
- $61,040 (380 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Alabama
Prices in Alabama run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 88.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $82,260 median stretches to roughly $92,635 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Alabama (2024–2034)
Alabama is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +8.4%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 410 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Alabama License and Certification Requirements
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate — regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — federal, not state.
- Attend an FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School (or document the required experience).
- Pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams.
- Earn the A&P certificate — federal, so it's valid in every state.
Official requirements: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — federal, not state →
Training in Alabama
Alabama's aerospace/defense sector (Mobile Airbus plant, Huntsville) drives demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Alabama include:
- Bevill State Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Bishop State Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Coastal Alabama Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Enterprise State Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Alabama
Real Alabama FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Advanced Flight Solutions, LLC — Albertville
- Asp AL Inc — Albertville
- McDermott Aviation US Inc — Andalusia
- Archangel Systems Inc — Auburn
- Mid-South Avionics Inc — Bessemer
- Southcoast Propeller Service Inc — Bessemer
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Detail-oriented mechanical people who can follow strict procedures.
Think twice if: You dislike regulation, documentation, shift work, or high accountability.
Why it's resilient: Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
First Steps
Search FAA-approved A&P programs and regional maintenance employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aircraft mechanics make in Alabama?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Alabama is $82,260 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,350, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $98,440. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Alabama?
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate, overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — federal, not state. Attend an FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School (or document the required experience).
Is being an Aircraft Mechanic a good career in Alabama?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Alabama metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Alabama metro areas, Mobile leads at $82,260, followed by Montgomery ($80,810), Huntsville ($64,910). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Alabama?
Real Alabama options include Bevill State Community College, Bishop State Community College, Coastal Alabama Community College. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career in Alabama?
Alabama projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +8.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 410 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Alabama statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3011. Licensing summary compiled from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — federal, not state (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Alabama wages · Alabama licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.