Aircraft Mechanic in Pennsylvania: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Pennsylvania employs 2,080 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $78,000 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Pennsylvania licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Pennsylvania (May 2025)
- Pennsylvania median pay
- $78,000 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,560
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $101,260
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $136,510
- Employed in Pennsylvania
- 2,080
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Pennsylvania markets:
- Philadelphia metro
- $84,100 (1,280 employed)
- Lehigh Valley
- $74,770 (130 employed)
- Lancaster
- $73,130 (40 employed)
- Pittsburgh
- $72,090 (510 employed)
- Harrisburg
- $69,430 (60 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Pennsylvania
Prices in Pennsylvania run about 2% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $78,000 median stretches to roughly $79,918 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Pennsylvania (2024–2034)
Pennsylvania is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +2.6%, slower than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 180 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh's American Airlines maintenance presence, Philadelphia's airport operations, and helicopter manufacturing (Leonardo in Philadelphia, Lockheed Sikorsky heritage sites) anchor PA aviation employment. Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics is one of the country's best-known A&P schools.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Pennsylvania include:
- Automotive Training Center-Exton — Certificate
- Automotive Training Center-Warminster — Certificate
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Philadelphia — Certificate
- Berks Career & Technology Center — Certificate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Pennsylvania
Real Pennsylvania FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Nff Avionics Services Inc — Aliquippa
- Brunswick Aviation Services LLC — Allentown
- Chord Aerospace, LLC — Allentown
- New World Aviation Inc — Allentown
- Scott Richard Aircraft Maintenance LLC — Allentown
- Techjet a and M Inc — Allentown
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 Pennsylvania?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Pennsylvania is $78,000 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,560, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $136,510. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Pennsylvania metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Pennsylvania metro areas, Philadelphia metro leads at $84,100, followed by Lehigh Valley ($74,770), Lancaster ($73,130). 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 Pennsylvania?
Real Pennsylvania options include Automotive Training Center-Exton, Automotive Training Center-Warminster, Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Philadelphia. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 180 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), Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania wages · Pennsylvania 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.