Aircraft Mechanic in Michigan: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Michigan employs 3,380 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $74,900 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Michigan licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Michigan (May 2025)
- Michigan median pay
- $74,900 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,180
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $82,230
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $118,100
- Employed in Michigan
- 3,380
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Michigan markets:
- Detroit
- $75,940 (1,550 employed)
- Grand Rapids
- $75,550 (110 employed)
- Lansing
- $72,630 (140 employed)
- Flint
- $67,790 (50 employed)
- Ann Arbor
- $62,140 (550 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Michigan
Prices in Michigan run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $74,900 median stretches to roughly $77,859 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Michigan (2024–2034)
Michigan is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +0.5%, slower than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 220 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Michigan License and Certification Requirements
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate — regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state).
- Aircraft mechanic certification is federal (FAA), not state — requirements are identical in Michigan as everywhere else.
- Complete an FAA-approved Part 147 school (18–24 months) or document 30 months of practical experience working on airframes and powerplants.
- Pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams for both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
Official requirements: Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state) →
Training in Michigan
Michigan aviation employers include Spirit Airlines (Detroit), Delta/United connection operations at DTW, and a strong general aviation and business aviation sector. Part 147 schools in Michigan include Baker College and Schoolcraft College. The state's manufacturing base also creates openings for A&P mechanics in aircraft component manufacturing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Michigan include:
- Alpena Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Andrews University — Certificate
- Baker College — Certificate / Associate
- Bay de Noc Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Michigan
Real Michigan FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Dm3d Technology, LLC — Auburn Hills
- Centennial Aircraft Services Inc — Battle Creek
- Flight Program Maintenance Services Battle Creek — Battle Creek
- Thermal Air Repair — Battle Creek
- Western Michigan University, College of Aviation — Battle Creek
- Kalitta Air LLC — Belleville
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 Michigan?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Michigan is $74,900 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,180, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $118,100. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Michigan?
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate, overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state). Aircraft mechanic certification is federal (FAA), not state — requirements are identical in Michigan as everywhere else.
Is being an Aircraft Mechanic a good career in Michigan?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Michigan metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Michigan metro areas, Detroit leads at $75,940, followed by Grand Rapids ($75,550), Lansing ($72,630). 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 Michigan?
Real Michigan options include Alpena Community College, Andrews University, Baker 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 Michigan?
Michigan projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +0.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 220 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), Michigan statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3011. Licensing summary compiled from the Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every 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 Michigan wages · Michigan 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.