Aircraft Mechanic in Iowa: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Iowa employs 330 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $69,890 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Iowa licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Iowa (May 2025)
- Iowa median pay
- $69,890 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $33,740
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $80,510
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $93,130
- Employed in Iowa
- 330
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Iowa markets:
- Omaha
- $67,350 (130 employed)
- Des Moines
- $59,100 (130 employed)
- Davenport
- $54,690 (60 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Iowa
Prices in Iowa run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $69,890 median stretches to roughly $79,601 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Iowa (2024–2034)
Iowa is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +8.0%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Iowa 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 Iowa
Iowa's aviation and ag-aviation sectors drive demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Iowa include:
- Des Moines Area Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Eastern Iowa Community College District — Certificate / Associate
- Hawkeye Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Indian Hills Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Iowa
Real Iowa FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Haps Air Service Inc — Ames
- Exec1 Aviation Inc — Ankeny
- Arn-Air — Bayard
- Rockwell Collins Inc — Cedar Rapids
- Rockwell Collins Inc Air Transport Systems — Cedar Rapids
- Rockwell Collins Inc Aircraft Certification Cent — Cedar Rapids
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 Iowa?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Iowa is $69,890 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $33,740, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $93,130. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Iowa?
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 Iowa?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Iowa metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Iowa metro areas, Omaha leads at $67,350, followed by Des Moines ($59,100), Davenport ($54,690). 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 Iowa?
Real Iowa options include Des Moines Area Community College, Eastern Iowa Community College District, Hawkeye 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 Iowa?
Iowa projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +8.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 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), Iowa 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 Iowa wages · Iowa 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.