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Aircraft Mechanic in Maine: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Repair and maintenance

Maine employs 190 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $67,890 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maine licensing picture, and where to train.

What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Maine (May 2025)

Maine median pay
$67,890 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile)
$57,000
Experienced (75th percentile)
$82,780
Top earners (90th percentile)
$118,500
Employed in Maine
190
U.S. median (for comparison)
$78,680 (May 2024)
Starting $57,000 Median $67,890 Top 10% $118,500 $40k$60k$80k$100k$120k$140k The bar spans the 10th–90th percentile of current workers.

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Maine markets:

Portland
$71,420 (60 employed)
Bangor
$65,480 (80 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Maine

Prices in Maine run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $67,890 median stretches to roughly $69,990 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Maine (2024–2034)

Maine is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +3.7%, about in line with the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Maine License and Certification Requirements

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate — regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — federal, not state.

  1. Attend an FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School (or document the required experience).
  2. Pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams.
  3. Earn the A&P certificate — federal, so it's valid in every state.

Official requirements: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — federal, not state →

Training in Maine

Maine's aviation/MRO sector (Brunswick, Bangor) supports demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maine include:

Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Maine

Real Maine FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:

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 Maine?

The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Maine is $67,890 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $57,000, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $118,500. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Maine?

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 Maine?

Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.

Which Maine metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?

Among Maine metro areas, Portland leads at $71,420, followed by Bangor ($65,480). 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 Maine?

Real Maine options include Central Maine Community College, Eastern Maine Community College, Northern Maine 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 Maine?

Maine projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +3.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 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), Maine 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 Maine wages · Maine 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.