Aircraft Mechanic in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Colorado employs 2,690 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $82,080 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $82,080 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $60,960
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $103,300
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $130,160
- Employed in Colorado
- 2,690
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Colorado markets:
- Boulder
- $88,770 (40 employed)
- Denver
- $86,830 (1,740 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $83,260 (30 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $79,810 (400 employed)
- Greeley
- $74,570 (70 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $82,080 median is worth closer to $79,612 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +21.3%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 280 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado 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 hands-on experience).
- Pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams.
- Earn the A&P certificate — it's federal, so it's valid in every state.
Official requirements: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — federal, not state →
Training in Colorado
Denver International and Colorado's aerospace sector drive demand. The A&P is one of the most portable, recession-resistant credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Aims Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Arapahoe Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Colorado Mesa University — Certificate / Associate
- Colorado Mountain College — Certificate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Colorado
Real Colorado FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Hayes Aviation Rs — Akron
- Redline Aviation — Akron
- Depot Avionics Inc — Alamosa
- Aerofield Services LLC — Aurora
- Aviation Window Services — Boulder
- Life Cycle Balloon Repair — Brighton
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 Colorado?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Colorado is $82,080 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $60,960, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $130,160. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Colorado?
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 hands-on experience).
Is being an Aircraft Mechanic a good career in Colorado?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Colorado metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Boulder leads at $88,770, followed by Denver ($86,830), Fort Collins ($83,260). 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 Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Aims Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Mesa University. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +21.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 280 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), Colorado 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 Colorado wages · Colorado 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.