Aircraft Mechanic in Idaho: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Idaho employs 600 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $61,250 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Idaho licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Idaho (May 2025)
- Idaho median pay
- $61,250 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $44,840
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $81,830
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $98,260
- Employed in Idaho
- 600
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Idaho markets:
- Boise City
- $62,190 (350 employed)
- Coeur d'Alene
- $61,250 (30 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Idaho
Prices in Idaho run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 95.5 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $61,250 median stretches to roughly $64,136 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Idaho (2024–2034)
Idaho is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +28.6%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Idaho 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 Idaho
Idaho's aviation sector (Boise, regional carriers) supports demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Idaho include:
- Brigham Young University-Idaho — Associate
- College of Eastern Idaho — Certificate / Associate
- College of Southern Idaho — Certificate / Associate
- College of Western Idaho — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Idaho
Real Idaho FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc — Boise
- Casfer Aero Systems Inc — Boise
- Conyan Aviation Inc — Boise
- Helicopter Maintenance Corporation — Boise
- Niicd Avionics — Boise
- Precision Propeller Services International, LLC — Boise
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 Idaho?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Idaho is $61,250 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $44,840, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $98,260. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Idaho?
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 Idaho?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Idaho metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Idaho metro areas, Boise City leads at $62,190, followed by Coeur d'Alene ($61,250). 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 Idaho?
Real Idaho options include Brigham Young University-Idaho, College of Eastern Idaho, College of Southern Idaho. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career in Idaho?
Idaho projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +28.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 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), Idaho 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 Idaho wages · Idaho 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.