Aircraft Mechanic in South Carolina: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
South Carolina employs 1,660 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $75,160 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Carolina licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in South Carolina (May 2025)
- South Carolina median pay
- $75,160 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $45,230
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $81,980
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $84,600
- Employed in South Carolina
- 1,660
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major South Carolina markets:
- Charleston
- $81,690 (380 employed)
- Greenville
- $81,450 (510 employed)
- Charlotte
- $78,580 (1,310 employed)
- Columbia
- $73,110 (260 employed)
- Augusta
- $57,840 (80 employed)
- Spartanburg
- $50,050 (120 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in South Carolina
Prices in South Carolina run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 93.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $75,160 median stretches to roughly $80,213 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in South Carolina (2024–2034)
South Carolina is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +7.1%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 140 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
South Carolina 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 South Carolina
Boeing's North Charleston plant and a growing SC aerospace sector drive demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Carolina include:
- Central Carolina Technical College — Certificate
- Florence-Darlington Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Greenville Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Horry-Georgetown Technical College — Certificate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in South Carolina
Real South Carolina FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Carolina Turbine Support Inc — Aiken
- Vartanian, Art a. — Anderson
- Performance Aeromotive Inc — Belton
- Charleston Turbine Management, LLC — Charleston
- Pee Dee Avionics Inc — Cheraw
- Brothers Aviation Maintenance Service, Inc — Clover
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 South Carolina?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in South Carolina is $75,160 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,230, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $84,600. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which South Carolina metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among South Carolina metro areas, Charleston leads at $81,690, followed by Greenville ($81,450), Charlotte ($78,580). 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 South Carolina?
Real South Carolina options include Central Carolina Technical College, Florence-Darlington Technical College, Greenville Technical 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 South Carolina?
South Carolina projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +7.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 140 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), South Carolina 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 South Carolina wages · South 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.