Aircraft Mechanic in Texas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Texas employs 16,850 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $84,440 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Texas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Texas (May 2025)
- Texas median pay
- $84,440 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,600
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $99,490
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $122,180
- Employed in Texas
- 16,850
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Texas markets:
- Dallas–Fort Worth
- $94,920 (8,000 employed)
- Houston
- $85,400 (2,710 employed)
- Austin
- $84,440 (560 employed)
- San Antonio
- $78,240 (2,180 employed)
- El Paso
- $65,320 (140 employed)
- McAllen
- $47,840 (80 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Texas
Prices in Texas run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $84,440 median stretches to roughly $86,962 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Texas (2024–2034)
Texas is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +8.2%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,370 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Texas 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 — but Texas is one of the biggest places to use it.
- 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 for the Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
Official requirements: Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state) →
Training in Texas
Texas is a top aviation employment state: American Airlines (DFW), Southwest (Dallas), United (Houston), Lockheed Martin (Fort Worth), and Bell (Fort Worth) all hire A&P mechanics. Part 147 schools include Tarrant County College, Texas State Technical College (Waco/Harlingen/Abilene), and Hallmark University (San Antonio).
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Texas include:
- Alvin Community College — Certificate
- Amarillo College — Certificate / Associate
- Angelina College — Certificate / Associate
- Austin Community College District — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Texas
Real Texas FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Eagle Aviation Services Inc — Abilene
- Freeman Holdings of West Texas, LLC — Abilene
- Sturgill Turbine Service Inc — Abilene
- Texas Aerospace Services Inc — Abilene
- Addison Avionics Group, LLC — Addison
- Aerospace Quality Research and Development 145 LLC — Addison
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 Texas?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Texas is $84,440 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,600, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $122,180. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Texas?
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 — but Texas is one of the biggest places to use it.
Is being an Aircraft Mechanic a good career in Texas?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Texas metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Texas metro areas, Dallas–Fort Worth leads at $94,920, followed by Houston ($85,400), Austin ($84,440). 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 Texas?
Real Texas options include Alvin Community College, Amarillo College, Angelina 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 Texas?
Texas projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +8.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,370 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), Texas 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 Texas wages · Texas 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.