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Aircraft Mechanic in Alaska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Repair and maintenance

Alaska employs 1,470 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $91,150 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Alaska licensing picture, and where to train.

What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Alaska (May 2025)

Alaska median pay: $91,150 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $54,530
Experienced (75th percentile): $104,810
Top earners (90th percentile): $122,880
Employed in Alaska: 1,470
U.S. median (for comparison): $78,680 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Alaska markets:

Anchorage: $94,120 (1,010 employed)
Fairbanks: $81,520 (130 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Alaska

Prices in Alaska run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $91,150 median is worth closer to $89,014 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Alaska (2024–2034)

Alaska is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +7.6%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 140 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Alaska 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 Alaska

Alaska depends on aviation more than almost any state (bush planes, cargo, Ted Stevens Anchorage hub), making A&P demand exceptionally strong. The credential is highly portable.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Alaska include:

Alaska Vocational Technical Center — Certificate
University of Alaska Anchorage — Certificate / Associate
University of Alaska Fairbanks — Certificate / Associate
University of Alaska Southeast — Certificate / Associate

Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Alaska

Real Alaska FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:

Accessory Services Inc — Anchorage
Acme LLC. — Anchorage
Aero Twin Inc — Anchorage
Aix, LLC — Anchorage
Alaska Aircraft Sales, Inc — Anchorage
Alaskan Aircraft Engines — Anchorage

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 Alaska?

The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Alaska is $91,150 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $54,530, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $122,880. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Alaska?

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 Alaska?

Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.

Which Alaska metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?

Among Alaska metro areas, Anchorage leads at $94,120, followed by Fairbanks ($81,520). 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 Alaska?

Real Alaska options include Alaska Vocational Technical Center, University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career in Alaska?

Alaska projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +7.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 140 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), Alaska 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 Alaska wages · Alaska 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.