Aircraft Mechanic in Wisconsin: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Wisconsin employs 1,270 aircraft mechanics, with a statewide median of $73,930 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wisconsin licensing picture, and where to train.
What Aircraft mechanics Earn in Wisconsin (May 2025)
- Wisconsin median pay
- $73,930 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $44,520
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $85,060
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $99,850
- Employed in Wisconsin
- 1,270
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $78,680 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for aircraft mechanics in major Wisconsin markets:
- Minneapolis
- $90,050 (2,110 employed)
- Milwaukee
- $74,480 (510 employed)
- Madison
- $74,030 (170 employed)
- Duluth
- $71,780 (60 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Wisconsin
Prices in Wisconsin run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $73,930 median stretches to roughly $78,565 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Wisconsin (2024–2034)
Wisconsin is projected to grow aircraft mechanics employment +9.8%, faster than the +4.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 110 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin's aviation and manufacturing sectors drive demand. The A&P is one of the most portable credentials in the trades.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Wisconsin include:
- Blackhawk Technical College — Certificate
- Chippewa Valley Technical College — Certificate
- Fox Valley Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Gateway Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Where Aircraft mechanics Work in Wisconsin
Real Wisconsin FAA-certified repair stations that employ aircraft mechanics include:
- Ducommun Labarge Technologies, Incorporated — Appleton
- Gulfstream Aerospace Services Corporation — Appleton
- Lakeland Aviation of Minocqua Inc — Arbor Vitae
- Blue Airways Inc — Bay City
- Vista Aircraft Maintenance Red Wing, LLC — Bay City
- Aeromotors, LLC — Browntown
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 Wisconsin?
The median wage for aircraft mechanics in Wisconsin is $73,930 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $44,520, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $99,850. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Aircraft Mechanic in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
Aviation maintenance is regulated, safety-critical, inspection-heavy, and tied to physical assets.
Which Wisconsin metros pay aircraft mechanics the most?
Among Wisconsin metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $90,050, followed by Milwaukee ($74,480), Madison ($74,030). 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 Wisconsin?
Real Wisconsin options include Blackhawk Technical College, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Fox Valley 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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects aircraft mechanics employment to change +9.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 110 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), Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin wages · Wisconsin 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.