Aircraft Mechanic in Virginia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Virginia employs 2,260 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $82,200 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Virginia (May 2025)
- Virginia median pay
- $82,200 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $58,150
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $96,520
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $125,170
- Employed in Virginia
- 2,260
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Virginia markets:
- Washington DC metro
- $93,910 (1,440 employed)
- Virginia Beach–Norfolk
- $80,450 (650 employed)
- Richmond
- $75,100 (140 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Virginia
Prices in Virginia run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 101.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $82,200 median is worth closer to $81,306 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)
Virginia is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +1.7%, 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.
Virginia 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) — requirements are identical in Virginia as everywhere else.
- Complete an FAA-approved Part 147 school (18–24 months) or document 30 months of hands-on practical experience with airframes and powerplants.
- Pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams for both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
Official requirements: Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state) →
Training in Virginia
Virginia is a strong aviation market: Dulles International (major United hub), Ronald Reagan Washington National, and Norfolk International are the main commercial airports. Military aviation at NAS Oceana (Virginia Beach) and Langley Air Force Base creates federal contract MRO work. Averett University and a few Part 147 schools serve the state. DOD contractor positions at Langley, Fort Belvoir, and the Pentagon area pay premium rates for A&P mechanics with security clearances.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Virginia include:
- Advanced Technology Institute — Certificate / Associate
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Manassas — Certificate
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Norfolk — Certificate
- Blue Ridge Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Virginia
Real Virginia FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Heart of Virginia Aviation Inc — Ashland
- Moog Inc — Blacksburg
- Wilkerson Company Inc — Blackstone
- Systems-Communications Avionics Division — Bluefield
- Dynamic Aviation Group, Inc — Bridgewater
- Clear Sky Aviation, LLC — Charlottesville
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 Virginia?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Virginia is $82,200 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $58,150, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $125,170. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Virginia?
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate, overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (federal — same in every state). Aircraft mechanic certification is federal (FAA) — requirements are identical in Virginia as everywhere else.
Is being an Aircraft Mechanic a good career in Virginia?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Virginia metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Virginia metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $93,910, followed by Virginia Beach–Norfolk ($80,450), Richmond ($75,100). 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 Virginia?
Real Virginia options include Advanced Technology Institute, Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Manassas, Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Norfolk. Most aircraft mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career in Virginia?
Virginia projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +1.7% 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), Virginia 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 Virginia wages · Virginia 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.