Aircraft Mechanic in Rhode Island: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Rhode Island employs 120 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $70,720 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Rhode Island licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Rhode Island (May 2025)
- Rhode Island median pay
- $70,720 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,200
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $87,820
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $96,530
- Employed in Rhode Island
- 120
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Rhode Island markets:
- Providence
- $70,720 (130 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Rhode Island
Prices in Rhode Island run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $70,720 median is worth closer to $69,130 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Rhode Island (2024–2034)
Rhode Island is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +10.0%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 10 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
Rhode Island's proximity to New England aviation hubs supports demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Rhode Island include:
- IYRS School of Technology & Trades — Certificate
- New England Institute of Technology — Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Rhode Island
Real Rhode Island FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Eaton Corporation — East Providence
- Tanury Industries — Lincoln
- Induplate Incorporated — North Providence
- Astronova Inc — West Warwick
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 Rhode Island?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Rhode Island is $70,720 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,200, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $96,530. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Rhode Island metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Rhode Island metro areas, Providence leads at $70,720. 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 Rhode Island?
Real Rhode Island options include IYRS School of Technology & Trades, New England Institute of Technology. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +10.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10 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), Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island wages · Rhode Island 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.