Aircraft Mechanic in New York: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
New York employs 4,300 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $102,800 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New York licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in New York (May 2025)
- New York median pay
- $102,800 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $63,380
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $240,310
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $240,310
- Employed in New York
- 4,300
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major New York markets:
- New York City metro
- $127,140 (5,110 employed)
- Hudson Valley
- $87,280 (120 employed)
- Buffalo
- $80,040 (80 employed)
- Rochester
- $79,200 (90 employed)
- Syracuse
- $75,360 (50 employed)
- Albany
- $72,490 (120 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New York
Prices in New York run about 8% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $102,800 median is worth closer to $95,273 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New York (2024–2034)
New York is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +4.1%, about in line with the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 210 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New York 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), not state.
- Complete an FAA-approved Part 147 school (18–24 months) or document 30 months of practical experience.
- Pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams.
Official requirements: Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state) →
Training in New York
JFK and LaGuardia anchor major airline maintenance employment (Delta, JetBlue, American), with upstate MRO and aerospace manufacturing (Lockheed in Syracuse, Moog near Buffalo). Vaughn College (Queens) and Mohawk Valley CC run Part 147 programs.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New York include:
- Apex Technical School — Certificate
- Berk Trade and Business School — Certificate
- CUNY Bronx Community College — Certificate / Associate
- CUNY Kingsborough Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in New York
Real New York FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Boshart Enterprises and Aircraft Services Inc — Batavia
- M & H Research and Development — Beaver Dams
- Arkwin Industries Inc — Bethpage
- Ametek Aerospace and Defense — Binghamton
- Davis Aircraft Products Company Inc — Bohemia
- Ge Aviation Systems, LLC — Bohemia
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 York?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in New York is $102,800 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $63,380, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $240,310. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in New York?
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate, overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state). Aircraft mechanic certification is federal (FAA), not state.
Is being an Aircraft Mechanic a good career in New York?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which New York metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among New York metro areas, New York City metro leads at $127,140, followed by Hudson Valley ($87,280), Buffalo ($80,040). 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 York?
Real New York options include Apex Technical School, Berk Trade and Business School, CUNY Bronx 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 New York?
New York projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +4.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 210 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 York 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 York wages · New York 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.