Aircraft Mechanic in California: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
California employs 12,590 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $86,100 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact California licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in California (May 2025)
- California median pay
- $86,100 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $53,860
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $99,650
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $116,690
- Employed in California
- 12,590
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major California markets:
- San Jose / Silicon Valley
- $98,760 (260 employed)
- San Francisco Bay Area
- $93,400 (940 employed)
- San Diego
- $87,560 (1,720 employed)
- Los Angeles
- $83,250 (5,020 employed)
- Sacramento
- $82,420 (510 employed)
- Riverside–San Bernardino
- $81,440 (1,120 employed)
- Fresno
- $71,240 (320 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in California
Prices in California run about 11% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $86,100 median is worth closer to $77,778 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in California (2024–2034)
California is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +12.8%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,160 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
California License and Certification Requirements
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate — regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state).
- Aircraft mechanic certification is federal (FAA), not state.
- Complete an FAA-approved Part 147 school (18–24 months) or document 30 months of practical experience.
- Pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams for the Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
Official requirements: Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state) →
Training in California
California aviation employment centers on LAX, SFO, and San Diego (airline maintenance), plus aerospace manufacturing (SpaceX Hawthorne, Northrop, Lockheed). Part 147 schools include San Bernardino Valley College, Sacramento City College, Orange Coast College, and San Diego Miramar College.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in California include:
- Academy of Art University — Associate
- Allan Hancock College — Certificate / Associate
- American River College — Certificate / Associate
- Antelope Valley Community College District — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in California
Real California FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Jetstream Avionics Inc — Acampo
- California Precision Hydraulics Inc — Agoura Hills
- Bearing Test Inc — Agua Dulce
- Aircraft Repair and Overhaul Service — Anaheim
- Dretloh Aircraft Supply Inc — Anaheim
- Hornet Acquisitionco, LLC — Anaheim
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 California?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in California is $86,100 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $53,860, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $116,690. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in California?
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate, overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state). Aircraft mechanic certification is federal (FAA), not state.
Is being an Aircraft Mechanic a good career in California?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which California metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among California metro areas, San Jose / Silicon Valley leads at $98,760, followed by San Francisco Bay Area ($93,400), San Diego ($87,560). 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 California?
Real California options include Academy of Art University, Allan Hancock College, American River 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 California?
California projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +12.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,160 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), California statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3011. Licensing summary compiled from the Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every 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 California wages · California 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.