Aircraft Mechanic in New Jersey: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
New Jersey employs 1,900 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $105,370 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Jersey licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in New Jersey (May 2025)
- New Jersey median pay
- $105,370 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $72,760
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $130,960
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $133,790
- Employed in New Jersey
- 1,900
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major New Jersey markets:
- New York–Newark
- $127,140 (5,110 employed)
- Trenton–Princeton
- $101,590 (120 employed)
- Philadelphia
- $84,100 (1,280 employed)
- Allentown–Bethlehem
- $74,770 (130 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Jersey
Prices in New Jersey run about 9% above the national average (cost-of-living index 108.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $105,370 median is worth closer to $96,847 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New Jersey (2024–2034)
New Jersey is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +4.0%, about in line with the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 160 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Jersey 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) — requirements are identical in New Jersey as everywhere else.
- Complete an FAA-approved Part 147 school (18–24 months) or document 30 months of hands-on practical experience with airframes and powerplants.
- Pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams for both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
Official requirements: Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state) →
Training in New Jersey
New Jersey's location between Newark Liberty (a major United hub) and Philadelphia International makes it a solid market for A&P mechanics. Teterboro Airport hosts a large business aviation MRO sector. Lincoln Tech in Mahwah has historically offered aviation maintenance training. Federal contract maintenance work (FAA, military) is accessible given proximity to McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Joint Base.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Jersey include:
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Teterboro — Certificate
- Brookdale Community College — Certificate
- Burlington County Institute of Technology-Adult Education — Certificate
- Camden County College — Certificate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in New Jersey
Real New Jersey FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Blacksheep Services LLC — Andover
- Night Flight Concepts Inc — Augusta
- Avionic Instruments, LLC. — Avenel
- Csafe LLC — Avenel
- George Walker Field Inc — Bedminster
- Monmouth Aircraft Service Inc — Berkeley Township
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 New Jersey?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in New Jersey is $105,370 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $72,760, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $133,790. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in New Jersey?
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate, overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state). Aircraft mechanic certification is federal (FAA) — requirements are identical in New Jersey as everywhere else.
Is being an Aircraft Mechanic a good career in New Jersey?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which New Jersey metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among New Jersey metro areas, New York–Newark leads at $127,140, followed by Trenton–Princeton ($101,590), Philadelphia ($84,100). 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 New Jersey?
Real New Jersey options include Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Teterboro, Brookdale Community College, Burlington County Institute of Technology-Adult Education. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career in New Jersey?
New Jersey projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +4.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 160 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), New Jersey 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 New Jersey wages · New Jersey 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.