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

Repair and maintenance

Washington employs 4,480 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $98,980 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.

What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Washington (May 2025)

Washington median pay: $98,980 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $58,450
Experienced (75th percentile): $107,370
Top earners (90th percentile): $117,740
Employed in Washington: 4,480
U.S. median (for comparison): $78,680 (May 2024)

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

Seattle–Tacoma: $103,900 (3,950 employed)
Bellingham: $78,420 (30 employed)
Spokane: $75,280 (100 employed)
Olympia: $67,440 (60 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Washington

Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $98,980 median is worth closer to $92,505 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)

Washington is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +2.6%, slower than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 500 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Washington License and Certification Requirements

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate — regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — no Washington state license required.

Complete an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) program (typically 18–24 months) or accumulate 18 months of OJT on airframes and 18 months on powerplants (or 30 months combined), then pass the FAA knowledge, oral, and practical tests.
Pass three FAA tests for each rating (Airframe and Powerplant): written knowledge, oral, and practical/skills. The FAA issues the A&P certificate directly.
After two years with an A&P, apply for an FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) to perform annual inspections and approve major repairs — significantly increases earning power.

Official requirements: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — no Washington state license required →

Training in Washington

Everett Community College and South Seattle College run FAA-approved AMTS programs. Boeing's massive presence in Everett and Renton, plus Alaska Airlines MRO, Delta TechOps, and Horizon Air make Washington one of the top aviation maintenance markets in the country.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:

Bates Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Bellingham Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Big Bend Community College — Certificate / Associate
Centralia College — Certificate / Associate

Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Washington

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

Precision Airmotive, LLC — Arlington
Aero Controls, Inc — Auburn
Cascade Airframe Repair Inc — Auburn
North Star Aerospace Inc — Auburn
Unilode Aviation Solutions US Inc — Auburn
Luma Technologies — Bellevue

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 Washington?

The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Washington is $98,980 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $58,450, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $117,740. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate, overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — no Washington state license required. Complete an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) program (typically 18–24 months) or accumulate 18 months of OJT on airframes and 18 months on powerplants (or 30 months combined), then pass the FAA knowledge, oral, and practical tests.

Is being an Aircraft Mechanic a good career in Washington?

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

Which Washington metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?

Among Washington metro areas, Seattle–Tacoma leads at $103,900, followed by Bellingham ($78,420), Spokane ($75,280). 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 Washington?

Real Washington options include Bates Technical College, Bellingham Technical College, Big Bend Community 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 Washington?

Washington projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 500 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), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3011. Licensing summary compiled from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — no Washington state license required (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 Washington wages · Washington 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.