Aircraft Mechanic in West Virginia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
West Virginia employs 590 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $45,470 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact West Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in West Virginia (May 2025)
- West Virginia median pay
- $45,470 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $35,220
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $70,950
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $78,710
- Employed in West Virginia
- 590
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major West Virginia markets:
- Washington
- $93,910 (1,440 employed)
- Hagerstown
- $83,820 (80 employed)
- Charleston
- $61,650 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in West Virginia
Prices in West Virginia run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.5 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $45,470 median stretches to roughly $50,804 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in West Virginia (2024–2034)
West Virginia is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +21.6%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
West Virginia 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 West Virginia
West Virginia's aerospace/MRO sector (Bridgeport, Pratt & Whitney) supports demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in West Virginia include:
- Academy of Careers and Technology — Certificate
- Ben Franklin Career Center — Certificate
- BridgeValley Community & Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Cabell County Career Technology Center — Certificate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in West Virginia
Real West Virginia FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Engine & Airframe Solutions Worldwide, LLC — Bridgeport
- Kci Enterprises Inc — Bridgeport
- Mhi Rj Aviation Inc — Bridgeport
- Northstar Technologies LLC — Bridgeport
- Pratt and Whitney Engine Services Inc — Bridgeport
- Engine Management Specialist, LLC — Clarksburg
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 West Virginia?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in West Virginia is $45,470 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,220, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $78,710. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which West Virginia metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among West Virginia metro areas, Washington leads at $93,910, followed by Hagerstown ($83,820), Charleston ($61,650). 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 West Virginia?
Real West Virginia options include Academy of Careers and Technology, Ben Franklin Career Center, BridgeValley Community & 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 West Virginia?
West Virginia projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +21.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 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), West Virginia 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 West Virginia wages · West 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.