Aircraft Mechanic in Delaware: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Delaware employs 240 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $83,550 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Delaware licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Delaware (May 2025)
- Delaware median pay
- $83,550 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $63,280
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $99,900
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $116,370
- Employed in Delaware
- 240
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Delaware markets:
- Philadelphia
- $84,100 (1,280 employed)
- Dover
- $80,390 (80 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Delaware
Prices in Delaware run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 99.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $83,550 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Delaware (2024–2034)
Delaware is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +4.1%, about in line with the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Delaware 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 Delaware
Delaware's aviation/defense sector (Dover AFB, Summit Aviation) supports demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Delaware include:
- Delaware Technical Community College-Terry — Certificate / Associate
- Polytech Adult Education — Certificate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Delaware
Real Delaware FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Phill-Air Inc — Dover
- Pats Aircraft, LLC — Georgetown
- Summit Aviation Inc — Middletown
- Flyadvanced Maintenance, LLC — New Castle
- Velocity Maintenance Solutions LLC — New Castle
- Wilmington Avionics Inc — New Castle
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 Delaware?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Delaware is $83,550 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $63,280, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $116,370. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Delaware?
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 Delaware?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Delaware metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Delaware metro areas, Philadelphia leads at $84,100, followed by Dover ($80,390). 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 Delaware?
Real Delaware options include Delaware Technical Community College-Terry, Polytech Adult Education. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career in Delaware?
Delaware projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +4.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 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), Delaware 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 Delaware wages · Delaware 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.