Aircraft Mechanic in New Mexico: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
New Mexico employs 860 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $84,440 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Mexico licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in New Mexico (May 2025)
- New Mexico median pay
- $84,440 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $49,690
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $96,740
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $99,020
- Employed in New Mexico
- 860
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major New Mexico markets:
- Albuquerque
- $78,730 (390 employed)
- Las Cruces
- $77,650 (70 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Mexico
Prices in New Mexico run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 92.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $84,440 median stretches to roughly $91,584 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in New Mexico (2024–2034)
New Mexico is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +9.4%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 80 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Mexico 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 New Mexico
New Mexico's aerospace/defense sector (Kirtland AFB, Spaceport, national labs) supports demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Mexico include:
- Central New Mexico Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Clovis Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus — Certificate / Associate
- Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in New Mexico
Real New Mexico FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Neptune Aviation Services,inc. — Alamagordo
- Ed's Flying Service Inc — Alamogordo
- 10 Tanker Air Carrier LLC — Albuquerque
- Air One Systems, LLC — Albuquerque
- Albuquerque Balloon Center Inc — Albuquerque
- Aspen Avionics Inc — Albuquerque
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 Mexico?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in New Mexico is $84,440 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $49,690, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $99,020. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in New Mexico?
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 New Mexico?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which New Mexico metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among New Mexico metro areas, Albuquerque leads at $78,730, followed by Las Cruces ($77,650). 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 Mexico?
Real New Mexico options include Central New Mexico Community College, Clovis Community College, Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus. 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 Mexico?
New Mexico projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +9.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 80 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 Mexico 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 New Mexico wages · New Mexico 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.