Aircraft Mechanic in Missouri: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Missouri employs 1,700 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $71,470 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Missouri licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Missouri (May 2025)
- Missouri median pay
- $71,470 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $45,620
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $81,110
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $97,160
- Employed in Missouri
- 1,700
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Missouri markets:
- St. Louis metro
- $77,600 (890 employed)
- Kansas City metro
- $71,080 (530 employed)
- Springfield
- $62,770 (200 employed)
- Jefferson City
- $58,190 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Missouri
Prices in Missouri run about 9% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $71,470 median stretches to roughly $78,711 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Missouri (2024–2034)
Missouri is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +3.9%, about in line with the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 120 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Missouri 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.
- Complete an FAA-approved Part 147 school (18–24 months) or document 30 months of practical experience.
- Pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams.
Official requirements: Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state) →
Training in Missouri
Boeing's St. Louis defense plant (fighter production) is the anchor employer, alongside airline maintenance at STL and MCI and a busy general-aviation sector. State Technical College of Missouri runs a respected Part 147 program.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Missouri include:
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Kansas City — Certificate
- Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center — Certificate
- Crowder College — Certificate / Associate
- East Central College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Missouri
Real Missouri FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Mueller Avionics — Ballwin
- Windstar Aviation, LLC. — Berkeley
- Precision Aero Services Inc — Bolivar
- Cape Copters, LLC — Cape Girardeau
- Elite Avionics Services LLC — Cape Girardeau
- Dyersburg Avionics Incorporated of Caruthersville — Caruthersville
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 Missouri?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Missouri is $71,470 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,620, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $97,160. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Missouri?
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.
Is being an Aircraft Mechanic a good career in Missouri?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Missouri metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Missouri metro areas, St. Louis metro leads at $77,600, followed by Kansas City metro ($71,080), Springfield ($62,770). 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 Missouri?
Real Missouri options include Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Kansas City, Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center, Crowder 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 Missouri?
Missouri projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +3.9% 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), Missouri 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 Missouri wages · Missouri 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.