Aircraft Mechanic in Louisiana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Louisiana employs 1,150 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $79,780 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Louisiana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Louisiana (May 2025)
- Louisiana median pay
- $79,780 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,840
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $91,020
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $107,830
- Employed in Louisiana
- 1,150
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Louisiana markets:
- Lafayette
- $87,630 (240 employed)
- New Orleans
- $82,160 (240 employed)
- Baton Rouge
- $80,820 (80 employed)
- Lake Charles
- $77,870 (100 employed)
- Shreveport
- $77,270 (140 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Louisiana
Prices in Louisiana run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 88.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $79,780 median stretches to roughly $90,454 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Louisiana (2024–2034)
Louisiana is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +6.7%, 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.
Louisiana 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 Louisiana
Louisiana's aviation MRO and offshore-aviation sectors drive demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Louisiana include:
- Baton Rouge Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College — Certificate
- Delgado Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Fletcher Technical Community College — Certificate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Louisiana
Real Louisiana FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- G. H. Enterprises Inc — Baton Rouge
- Agustawestland Philadelphia Corporation — Broussard
- Arrow Aviation Company, LLC — Broussard
- Bell Textron Inc — Broussard
- Cadorath Aerospace Lafayette, LLC — Broussard
- Helicopter Accessory Service South LLC — Broussard
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 Louisiana?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Louisiana is $79,780 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,840, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $107,830. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Louisiana?
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 Louisiana?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Louisiana metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Louisiana metro areas, Lafayette leads at $87,630, followed by New Orleans ($82,160), Baton Rouge ($80,820). 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 Louisiana?
Real Louisiana options include Baton Rouge Community College, Central Louisiana Technical Community College, Delgado 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 Louisiana?
Louisiana projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +6.7% 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), Louisiana 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 Louisiana wages · Louisiana 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.