Aircraft Mechanic in Illinois: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Illinois employs 3,370 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $81,680 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Illinois licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Illinois (May 2025)
- Illinois median pay
- $81,680 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $46,460
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $126,500
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $130,950
- Employed in Illinois
- 3,370
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Illinois markets:
- Chicago metro
- $100,610 (2,090 employed)
- Peoria
- $68,450 (50 employed)
- Springfield
- $60,860 (60 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Illinois
Prices in Illinois run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $81,680 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Illinois (2024–2034)
Illinois is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +5.4%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 310 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Illinois 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 Illinois
O'Hare is one of the world's busiest airports — United and American both run major maintenance operations there. Lewis University and Rock Valley College anchor the Part 147 pipeline.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Illinois include:
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago — Certificate
- Black Hawk College — Certificate / Associate
- Carl Sandburg College — Certificate / Associate
- City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Illinois
Real Illinois FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Bejna, Robert Laddie — Addison
- Cef Industries, LLC — Addison
- Metal Improvement Company, LLC — Addison
- Resurgent Aviation Solutions LLC — Aurora
- Power By Blueprint Inc — Bedford Park
- Flight Check Commercial Aviation Services, LLC — Bensenville
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 Illinois?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Illinois is $81,680 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $46,460, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $130,950. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Illinois?
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 Illinois?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Illinois metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Illinois metro areas, Chicago metro leads at $100,610, followed by Peoria ($68,450), Springfield ($60,860). 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 Illinois?
Real Illinois options include Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chicago, Black Hawk College, Carl Sandburg 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 Illinois?
Illinois projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +5.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 310 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), Illinois 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 Illinois wages · Illinois 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.