How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi employs about 1,360 aircraft mechanics earning a median $74,880 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). No statewide license is required; most aircraft mechanics train through a certificate program and earn an industry certification before employers will hire them.

Key Facts

  • Median wage (Mississippi): $74,880/yr (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
  • Employed in Mississippi: 1,360 workers (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
  • Location quotient: 1.32x U.S. average (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
  • Projected growth: 4.0% (2024-2034) (Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024)

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Mississippi employs approximately 1,360 aircraft mechanics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $74,880 1. The state’s concentration of aircraft mechanic jobs is 1.32x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, aircraft mechanic employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 11,300 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an aircraft mechanic in Mississippi, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.

Aircraft Mechanic Wages by Metro Area in Mississippi

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Wages by Metro Area in Mississippi

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), aircraft mechanics and service technicians wages in Mississippi vary by metro area.

Metro AreaEmploymentMedian Annual WageAvg. Annual WageEntry Level
(10th pctile)
Experienced
(90th pctile)
Memphis2,140$92,180$107,660$52,900$169,740
Gulfport-Biloxi300$74,460$73,140$60,580$88,340
Jackson200$67,750$68,230$40,510$89,870

Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .

At a Glance

  • Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
  • Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
  • Median wage (Mississippi): $74,880 per year 1

Quick Answers About How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Mississippi

How to become an aircraft mechanic in Mississippi? Mississippi does not require a state license for aircraft mechanics, but employers typically expect industry certifications such as FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate. Complete a training program to prepare.

How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.

Do I need a license in Mississippi? No state license is required, but certifications such as FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate are expected by most employers.

What do aircraft mechanics earn in Mississippi? The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics in Mississippi is $74,880 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $47,650 and experienced professionals can earn $88,340 or more 1.

How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Mississippi

  1. Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Mississippi training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
  2. Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an accredited trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Mississippi that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
  3. Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
  4. Earn an industry certification. While Mississippi does not require a statewide license, earn FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate to meet employer expectations and improve hiring prospects.

Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.

Aircraft Mechanic Certification Options in Mississippi

Mississippi does not require a state license to work as an aircraft mechanic. However, industry certifications can strengthen your resume and may be required by employers.

Common certifications for aircraft mechanics include:

  • FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate

For more information, visit the FAA - Aviation Maintenance Technicians 3. Contact training programs in Mississippi for details on certification preparation courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for aircraft mechanics in Mississippi? Mississippi currently employs approximately 1,360 aircraft mechanics 1. Nationally, aircraft mechanic employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.

What training programs are available in Mississippi? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Mississippi.

How much do aircraft mechanics earn in Mississippi compared to the national average? The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics in Mississippi is $74,880, which is $3,800 below the national median of $78,680 according to BLS data 1.

In Mississippi

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Citations

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.

References


  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. FAA - Aviation Maintenance Technicians: https://www.faa.gov/mechanics ↩︎

Data sources

Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.

DataProviderVintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMay 2025
Employment ProjectionsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2024-2034
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data SystemNational Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)2024
College Scorecard (school-level outcomes)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release
College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release (updated 2026-06-12)
Occupational licensing requirementsCareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2026-02-22)
Registered apprenticeship programsCareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2025-10-25)
O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones)U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.)O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13)