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

Repair and maintenance

Ohio employs 2,840 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $80,570 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Ohio licensing picture, and where to train.

What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Ohio (May 2025)

Ohio median pay: $80,570 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $51,490
Experienced (75th percentile): $97,540
Top earners (90th percentile): $132,850
Employed in Ohio: 2,840
U.S. median (for comparison): $78,680 (May 2024)

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

Cincinnati: $85,410 (1,370 employed)
Cleveland: $80,570 (410 employed)
Toledo: $79,830 (110 employed)
Dayton: $77,580 (200 employed)
Akron: $75,800 (100 employed)
Columbus: $74,210 (870 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Ohio

Prices in Ohio run about 7% below the national average (cost-of-living index 92.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $80,570 median stretches to roughly $86,821 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Ohio (2024–2034)

Ohio is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +5.4%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 280 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Ohio 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 Ohio

Ohio aviation runs deep: NetJets (Columbus), cargo operations at Wilmington and CVG (Amazon Air's hub), and GE Aerospace in Cincinnati. Sinclair, Columbus State, and the PIA Youngstown campus run Part 147 programs.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Ohio include:

Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus — Certificate
Auburn Career Center — Certificate
Canton City Schools Adult Career and Technical Education — Certificate
Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County — Certificate

Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Ohio

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

Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation — Akron
North Coast Air Care Inc — Akron
Ohio University Aircraft Services — Albany
Ohio University Avionics Engineering Center — Albany
Professional Aircraft Accessories — Amelia
Preferred Airparts LLC — Apple Creek

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 Ohio?

The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Ohio is $80,570 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $51,490, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $132,850. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

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 Ohio?

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

Which Ohio metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?

Among Ohio metro areas, Cincinnati leads at $85,410, followed by Cleveland ($80,570), Toledo ($79,830). 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 Ohio?

Real Ohio options include Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus, Auburn Career Center, Canton City Schools Adult Career and Technical 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 Ohio?

Ohio projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +5.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 280 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), Ohio 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 Ohio wages · Ohio 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.