Aircraft Mechanic in Minnesota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Minnesota employs 2,390 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $81,980 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Minnesota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Minnesota (May 2025)
- Minnesota median pay
- $81,980 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $52,100
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $131,840
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $133,020
- Employed in Minnesota
- 2,390
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Minnesota markets:
- Minneapolis
- $90,050 (2,110 employed)
- St. Cloud
- $78,150 (30 employed)
- Sioux Falls
- $74,150 (80 employed)
- Duluth
- $71,780 (60 employed)
- Fargo
- $71,060 (50 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Minnesota
Prices in Minnesota run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $81,980 median stretches to roughly $83,144 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Minnesota (2024–2034)
Minnesota is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +4.3%, about in line with the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 180 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Minnesota 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 Minnesota
MSP is a major hub (Delta's main maintenance base is in MN), driving strong demand. The A&P is highly portable.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Minnesota include:
- Alexandria Technical & Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Anoka Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Central Lakes College-Brainerd — Certificate / Associate
- Century College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Minnesota
Real Minnesota FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Aitkin Aviation, LLC — Aitkin
- Ndi Consultants Inc — Apple Valley
- Aircorps Aviation, LLC — Bemidji
- Bemidji Aviation Services Inc — Bemidji
- R C Avionics Inc — Blaine
- Twin Cities Aviation Inc — Blaine
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 Minnesota?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Minnesota is $81,980 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $52,100, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $133,020. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Minnesota metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Minnesota metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $90,050, followed by St. Cloud ($78,150), Sioux Falls ($74,150). 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 Minnesota?
Real Minnesota options include Alexandria Technical & Community College, Anoka Technical College, Central Lakes College-Brainerd. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career in Minnesota?
Minnesota projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +4.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 180 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), Minnesota 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 Minnesota wages · Minnesota 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.