Aircraft Mechanic in Arizona: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Arizona employs 5,670 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $75,300 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arizona licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Arizona (May 2025)
- Arizona median pay
- $75,300 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,290
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $86,990
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $121,480
- Employed in Arizona
- 5,670
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Arizona markets:
- Yuma
- $81,450 (110 employed)
- Phoenix
- $76,610 (3,810 employed)
- Tucson
- $73,340 (1,390 employed)
- Flagstaff
- $65,560 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arizona
Prices in Arizona run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 100.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $75,300 median is worth closer to $74,777 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Arizona (2024–2034)
Arizona is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +19.6%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 460 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arizona License and Certification Requirements
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate — regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — no Arizona state license required.
- Complete an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) program (typically 18–24 months) or accumulate 18 months OJT on airframes and 18 months on powerplants (or 30 months combined), then pass FAA knowledge, oral, and practical tests.
- Pass three FAA tests for each rating (Airframe, Powerplant): written knowledge, oral, and practical. The FAA issues the A&P certificate directly — no Arizona state license needed.
- After two years with an A&P, apply for FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) to perform annual inspections and sign off major repairs — a significant earnings increase.
Official requirements: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — no Arizona state license required →
Training in Arizona
Phoenix is a major aviation maintenance hub. Mesa Community College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Prescott) offer FAA-approved AMTS programs. Southwest Airlines, American Airlines MRO at PHX, Cutter Aviation, and Maricopa County's general aviation fleet are major employers. Arizona's dry climate is ideal for aircraft storage and MRO operations.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arizona include:
- Arizona Western College — Certificate / Associate
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Phoenix — Certificate
- Central Arizona College — Certificate / Associate
- Chandler-Gilbert Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Arizona
Real Arizona FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Aerosecure LLC — Buckeye
- Advanced Materials Technologies LLC — Chandler
- Aviocraft — Chandler
- Canyon State Inspection Inc — Chandler
- E&e Aviation — Chandler
- Earp Aviation Repairs LLC — Chandler
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 Arizona?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Arizona is $75,300 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,290, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $121,480. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Arizona?
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate, overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — no Arizona state license required. Complete an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) program (typically 18–24 months) or accumulate 18 months OJT on airframes and 18 months on powerplants (or 30 months combined), then pass FAA knowledge, oral, and practical tests.
Is being an Aircraft Mechanic a good career in Arizona?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Arizona metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Arizona metro areas, Yuma leads at $81,450, followed by Phoenix ($76,610), Tucson ($73,340). 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 Arizona?
Real Arizona options include Arizona Western College, Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Phoenix, Central Arizona 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 Arizona?
Arizona projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +19.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 460 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), Arizona statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3011. Licensing summary compiled from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — no Arizona state license required (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 Arizona wages · Arizona 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.