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Aircraft Mechanic in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Repair and maintenance

North Dakota employs 200 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $77,740 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.

What Aircraft mechanics Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)

North Dakota median pay: $77,740 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $52,100
Experienced (75th percentile): $87,210
Top earners (90th percentile): $99,170
Employed in North Dakota: 200
U.S. median (for comparison): $78,680 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major North Dakota markets:

Bismarck: $88,570 (50 employed)
Grand Forks: $77,740 (70 employed)
Fargo: $71,060 (50 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota

Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $77,740 median stretches to roughly $87,348 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)

North Dakota is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +7.5%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

North Dakota 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 North Dakota

North Dakota's aviation and UAS/drone sector (Grand Forks) plus military bases support demand. The A&P is highly portable.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Dakota include:

Bismarck State College — Certificate / Associate
Dickinson State University — Associate
Lake Region State College — Certificate / Associate
North Dakota State College of Science — Certificate / Associate

Where Aircraft mechanics Work in North Dakota

Real North Dakota FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:

Bismarck Aero Center — Bismarck
Executive Air Taxi Corporation — Bismarck
Loenbro, LLC. — Bismarck
Custom Aircraft Refinishing Inc — Casselton
Appareo Systems LLC — Fargo
Fargo Jet Center LLC — Fargo

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 Dakota?

The median wage for aircraft mechanics in North Dakota is $77,740 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $52,100, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $99,170. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in North Dakota?

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 North Dakota?

Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.

Which North Dakota metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?

Among North Dakota metro areas, Bismarck leads at $88,570, followed by Grand Forks ($77,740), Fargo ($71,060). 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 Dakota?

Real North Dakota options include Bismarck State College, Dickinson State University, Lake Region State 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 North Dakota?

North Dakota projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +7.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 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 Dakota 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 North Dakota wages · North Dakota 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.