Aircraft Mechanic in Nevada: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Nevada employs 2,570 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $94,890 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nevada licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Nevada (May 2025)
- Nevada median pay
- $94,890 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $61,010
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $103,470
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $113,290
- Employed in Nevada
- 2,570
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Nevada markets:
- Las Vegas
- $91,940 (1,900 employed)
- Reno
- $79,480 (270 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Nevada
Prices in Nevada run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $94,890 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Nevada (2022–2032)
Nevada is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +10.2%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally.
Nevada 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 Nevada
Nevada's airline and aviation hubs (Las Vegas, Reno) drive demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nevada include:
- Advanced Training Institute — Certificate
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Las Vegas — Certificate
- College of Southern Nevada — Certificate / Associate
- Great Basin College — Certificate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Nevada
Real Nevada FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Atlas Aircraft Center Inc — Boulder City
- Black Mountain Aviation — Boulder City
- Helicopter Services of Nevada L L C — Boulder City
- Bruce Aerospace Inc — Carson City
- Chromalloy Nevada — Carson City
- High Sierra Pilots, LLC — Carson City
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 Nevada?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Nevada is $94,890 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $61,010, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $113,290. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Nevada?
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 Nevada?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Nevada metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Nevada metro areas, Las Vegas leads at $91,940, followed by Reno ($79,480). 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 Nevada?
Real Nevada options include Advanced Training Institute, Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Las Vegas, College of Southern Nevada. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career in Nevada?
Nevada projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +10.2% from 2022 to 2032 — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Nevada 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 Nevada wages · Nevada 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.