Aircraft Mechanic in Florida: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Florida employs 14,850 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $76,940 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Florida licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Florida (May 2025)
- Florida median pay
- $76,940 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $45,500
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $97,430
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $130,190
- Employed in Florida
- 14,850
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Florida markets:
- Orlando
- $92,430 (2,380 employed)
- Miami–Fort Lauderdale
- $78,260 (6,460 employed)
- Sarasota–Bradenton
- $76,730 (140 employed)
- Tampa Bay
- $71,510 (1,050 employed)
- Jacksonville
- $67,200 (1,440 employed)
- Fort Myers
- $65,870 (140 employed)
- Pensacola
- $63,580 (660 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Florida
Prices in Florida run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $76,940 median is worth closer to $74,410 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Florida (2026–2034)
Florida is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +13.2%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,399 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Florida 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.
Official requirements: Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state) →
Training in Florida
Florida is a top-3 aviation state: airline MRO hubs (Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville), Embraer in Melbourne, and the space industry on the Space Coast all compete for A&P mechanics. Part 147 schools include Miami's George T. Baker, Broward College, and Embry-Riddle Daytona.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Florida include:
- American Advanced Technicians Institute — Certificate
- Aparicio-Levy Technical College — Certificate
- Atlantic Technical College — Certificate
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando — Certificate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Florida
Real Florida FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Heliservice, LLC — Apopka
- Southwest Florida Aviation Inc — Arcadia
- Cross City Aviation Services Inc — Archer
- Aircraft Propeller Works Inc — Auburndale
- Aerospace Technologies Group Inc — Boca Raton
- Boca Aircraft Maintenance LLC — Boca Raton
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 Florida?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Florida is $76,940 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,500, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $130,190. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Florida?
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 Florida?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Florida metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Florida metro areas, Orlando leads at $92,430, followed by Miami–Fort Lauderdale ($78,260), Sarasota–Bradenton ($76,730). 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 Florida?
Real Florida options include American Advanced Technicians Institute, Aparicio-Levy Technical College, Atlantic Technical 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 Florida?
Florida projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +13.2% from 2026 to 2034, with about 1,399 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), Florida 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 Florida wages · Florida 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.