Aircraft Mechanic in Montana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Montana employs 310 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $64,170 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Montana (May 2025)
- Montana median pay
- $64,170 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,100
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $82,240
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $97,200
- Employed in Montana
- 310
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Montana markets:
- Helena
- $80,870 (50 employed)
- Missoula
- $77,790 (30 employed)
- Bozeman
- $64,530 (40 employed)
- Billings
- $63,570 (50 employed)
- Great Falls
- $60,930 (50 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Montana
Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $64,170 median stretches to roughly $67,833 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Montana (2024–2034)
Montana is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +5.1%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Montana 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 Montana
Montana's regional aviation and aerial-firefighting sectors support demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:
- Fort Peck Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Helena College University of Montana — Certificate / Associate
- Highlands College of Montana Tech — Certificate / Associate
- Miles Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Montana
Real Montana FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Arlins Aircraft Service Inc — Belgrade
- Bridger Aviation Repair LLC — Belgrade
- Signature Flight Support Corporation — Belgrade
- Summit Aviation Inc — Belgrade
- Tt Heli, LLC. — Belgrade
- Aero Inspection & Repair Inc — Billings
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 Montana?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Montana is $64,170 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,100, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $97,200. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Montana?
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 Montana?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Montana metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Montana metro areas, Helena leads at $80,870, followed by Missoula ($77,790), Bozeman ($64,530). 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 Montana?
Real Montana options include Fort Peck Community College, Helena College University of Montana, Highlands College of Montana Tech. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career in Montana?
Montana projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +5.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 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), Montana 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 Montana wages · Montana 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.