Aircraft Mechanic in Nebraska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Nebraska employs 410 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $64,020 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nebraska licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Nebraska (May 2025)
- Nebraska median pay
- $64,020 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,440
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $75,440
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $98,020
- Employed in Nebraska
- 410
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Nebraska markets:
- Omaha
- $67,350 (130 employed)
- Sioux City
- $67,350 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Nebraska
Prices in Nebraska run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $64,020 median stretches to roughly $71,054 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Nebraska (2024–2034)
Nebraska is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +4.4%, about in line with the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Nebraska 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 Nebraska
Nebraska's aviation sector (Offutt AFB, Omaha) supports demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nebraska include:
- Central Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Metropolitan Community College Area — Certificate / Associate
- Mid-Plains Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Northeast Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Nebraska
Real Nebraska FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Hershey Flying Service Inc — David City
- Trego/dugan Aviation of Grand Island Inc — Grand Island
- J&s Aviation Services LLC — Hastings
- Nebraska Gas Turbine Inc — Hooper
- Duncan Aviation Inc — Lincoln
- International Propeller Service LLC — Lincoln
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 Nebraska?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Nebraska is $64,020 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,440, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $98,020. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Nebraska?
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 Nebraska?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Nebraska metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Nebraska metro areas, Omaha leads at $67,350, followed by Sioux City ($67,350). 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 Nebraska?
Real Nebraska options include Central Community College, Metropolitan Community College Area, Mid-Plains 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 Nebraska?
Nebraska projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +4.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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), Nebraska 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 Nebraska wages · Nebraska 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.