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Aircraft Mechanic in Hawaii: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Repair and maintenance

Hawaii employs 1,150 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $90,830 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Hawaii licensing picture, and where to train.

What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Hawaii (May 2025)

Hawaii median pay: $90,830 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $62,570
Experienced (75th percentile): $104,470
Top earners (90th percentile): $130,560
Employed in Hawaii: 1,150
U.S. median (for comparison): $78,680 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Hawaii markets:

Kahului: $98,280 (120 employed)
Urban Honolulu: $90,110 (870 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Hawaii

Prices in Hawaii run about 10% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $90,830 median is worth closer to $82,573 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Hawaii (2024–2034)

Hawaii is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +2.8%, slower than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 100 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Hawaii 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 Hawaii

Hawaii's island geography makes aviation essential (Hawaiian Airlines, inter-island carriers, military), supporting strong A&P demand. The credential is highly portable.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Hawaii include:

Hawaii Community College — Certificate / Associate
Honolulu Community College — Certificate / Associate
Kauai Community College — Certificate / Associate
Leeward Community College — Certificate / Associate

Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Hawaii

Real Hawaii FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:

Aeko Kula, LLC — Honolulu
East West Avionics LLC — Honolulu
Guardian Flight LLC — Honolulu
Hawaiian Airlines Inc — Honolulu
Liferaft & Marine Safety Equipment Inc — Honolulu
Pegasus Aviation Services, LLC — Honolulu

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 Hawaii?

The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Hawaii is $90,830 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $62,570, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $130,560. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Hawaii?

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 Hawaii?

Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.

Which Hawaii metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?

Among Hawaii metro areas, Kahului leads at $98,280, followed by Urban Honolulu ($90,110). 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 Hawaii?

Real Hawaii options include Hawaii Community College, Honolulu Community College, Kauai Community 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 Hawaii?

Hawaii projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +2.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 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), Hawaii 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 Hawaii wages · Hawaii 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.