Aircraft Mechanic in Kansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Kansas employs 1,440 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $80,270 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Kansas (May 2025)
- Kansas median pay
- $80,270 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $50,630
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $82,720
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $98,070
- Employed in Kansas
- 1,440
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Kansas markets:
- Topeka
- $71,450 (110 employed)
- Kansas City
- $71,080 (530 employed)
- Wichita
- $65,640 (580 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas
Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $80,270 median stretches to roughly $89,090 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)
Kansas is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +9.2%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 120 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kansas 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 Kansas
Wichita is the 'Air Capital of the World' (Spirit AeroSystems, Textron, Bombardier), making Kansas one of the best states for aircraft-mechanic demand. The A&P is highly portable.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kansas include:
- Barton County Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Butler Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Coffeyville Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Cowley County Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Kansas
Real Kansas FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Jet Airwerks LLC — Arkansas City
- D-J Engineering Inc — Augusta
- Kansas Copters & Wings Inc — Augusta
- Nu Tek Aircraft Instruments — Augusta
- Sigma Tek Inc — Augusta
- Vse Aviation Services, Co. — Augusta
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 Kansas?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Kansas is $80,270 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,630, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $98,070. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Kansas?
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 Kansas?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Kansas metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Kansas metro areas, Topeka leads at $71,450, followed by Kansas City ($71,080), Wichita ($65,640). 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 Kansas?
Real Kansas options include Barton County Community College, Butler Community College, Coffeyville 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 Kansas?
Kansas projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +9.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 120 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), Kansas 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 Kansas wages · Kansas 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.