Aircraft Mechanic in Kentucky: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Kentucky employs 1,680 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $67,920 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kentucky licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Kentucky (May 2025)
- Kentucky median pay
- $67,920 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $45,210
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $94,920
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $156,910
- Employed in Kentucky
- 1,680
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Kentucky markets:
- Cincinnati
- $85,410 (1,370 employed)
- Louisville/Jefferson County
- $76,800 (470 employed)
- Lexington
- $64,290 (270 employed)
- Clarksville
- $60,710 (50 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kentucky
Prices in Kentucky run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $67,920 median stretches to roughly $75,299 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kentucky (2024–2034)
Kentucky is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +5.4%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 280 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kentucky 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 Kentucky
Kentucky's air-cargo hubs (UPS Worldport in Louisville, Amazon Air in northern KY) drive strong demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kentucky include:
- Ashland Community and Technical College — Certificate
- Big Sandy Community and Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Bluegrass Community and Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Elizabethtown Community and Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Kentucky
Real Kentucky FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- H and S Avionics Inc — Bardstown
- Precision Turbine Services LLC — Burlington
- Triangle Flying Service Inc — Campbellsville
- Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems KY Corp. — Danville
- Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance Inc — Debord
- Elizabethtown Flying Service Inc — Elizabethtown
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 Kentucky?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Kentucky is $67,920 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,210, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $156,910. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Kentucky metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Kentucky metro areas, Cincinnati leads at $85,410, followed by Louisville/Jefferson County ($76,800), Lexington ($64,290). 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 Kentucky?
Real Kentucky options include Ashland Community and Technical College, Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Bluegrass Community and Technical 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 Kentucky?
Kentucky projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +5.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 280 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), Kentucky 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 Kentucky wages · Kentucky 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.