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

Repair and maintenance

South Dakota employs 150 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $75,750 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.

What Aircraft mechanics Earn in South Dakota (May 2025)

South Dakota median pay: $75,750 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $51,160
Experienced (75th percentile): $83,080
Top earners (90th percentile): $89,360
Employed in South Dakota: 150
U.S. median (for comparison): $78,680 (May 2024)

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

Rapid City: $81,400 (50 employed)
Sioux Falls: $74,150 (80 employed)
Sioux City: $67,350 (40 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in South Dakota

Prices in South Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 88.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $75,750 median stretches to roughly $85,497 in national buying-power terms.

South 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 South Dakota

South Dakota's aviation sector (Ellsworth AFB, regional airports) supports demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Dakota include:

Lake Area Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Mitchell Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Oglala Lakota College — Associate
Southeast Technical College — Certificate / Associate

Where Aircraft mechanics Work in South Dakota

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

Aberdeen Flying Service Inc — Aberdeen
Hangar 9 Inc — Aberdeen
Quest Aviation Inc — Aberdeen
Mtr Technologies — Brookings
The Flying Circus Incorporated — Custer
Satnan Avionics — Mitchell

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 Dakota?

The median wage for aircraft mechanics in South Dakota is $75,750 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $51,160, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $89,360. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

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

Which South Dakota metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?

Among South Dakota metro areas, Rapid City leads at $81,400, followed by Sioux Falls ($74,150), Sioux City ($67,350). 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 Dakota?

Real South Dakota options include Lake Area Technical College, Mitchell Technical College, Oglala Lakota College. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), South 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 South Dakota wages · South Dakota licensing/certification source

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.