Aircraft Mechanic in North Carolina: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
North Carolina employs 4,700 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $76,980 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Carolina licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in North Carolina (May 2025)
- North Carolina median pay
- $76,980 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $50,970
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $93,670
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $112,050
- Employed in North Carolina
- 4,700
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major North Carolina markets:
- Raleigh
- $91,600 (330 employed)
- Charlotte metro
- $78,580 (1,310 employed)
- Winston-Salem
- $73,480 (240 employed)
- Greensboro
- $64,520 (880 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in North Carolina
Prices in North Carolina run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $76,980 median stretches to roughly $81,633 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Carolina (2024–2034)
North Carolina is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +4.2%, about in line with the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 450 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Carolina 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 North Carolina
Charlotte (American Airlines hub), GE Aerospace (West Jefferson/Durham), Honda Aircraft (Greensboro), and Spirit AeroSystems (Kinston) make NC a serious aviation state. Guilford Tech's aviation campus is the flagship Part 147 program.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Carolina include:
- Alamance Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Charlotte — Certificate
- Beaufort County Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in North Carolina
Real North Carolina FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Twin Lakes Avionics — Advance
- Kearfott Corporation — Black Mountain
- Aero Accessories, LLC. — Burlington
- Consolidated Fuel Systems LLC — Burlington
- H and H Propeller Services Inc — Burlington
- Honda Aero, LLC — Burlington
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 North Carolina?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in North Carolina is $76,980 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,970, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $112,050. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which North Carolina metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among North Carolina metro areas, Raleigh leads at $91,600, followed by Charlotte metro ($78,580), Winston-Salem ($73,480). 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 North Carolina?
Real North Carolina options include Alamance Community College, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Charlotte. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career in North Carolina?
North Carolina projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +4.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 450 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), North Carolina 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 North Carolina wages · North Carolina 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.