How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in South Carolina (2026)
South Carolina employs about 1,660 aircraft mechanics earning a median $75,160 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as an Aircraft Mechanic here means completing an FAA Part 147 program or documented experience, then FAA written, oral, and practical tests for the A&P certificate.
South Carolina employs approximately 1,660 aircraft mechanics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $75,160 1. 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 South Carolina, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance program or the experience path (find programs)
- Typical timeline: an FAA Part 147 program or documented experience, then FAA written, oral, and practical tests for the A&P certificate
- Exam: FAA A&P written, oral, and practical tests
- Median wage (South Carolina): $75,160 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in South Carolina
How to become an Aircraft Mechanic in South Carolina? Complete an FAA Part 147 program or documented experience, then FAA written, oral, and practical tests for the A&P certificate. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.
How long does it take? Most people finish an FAA Part 147 program or documented experience, then FAA written, oral, and practical tests for the A&P certificate. Confirm current hour totals with the program and employer.
Do I need a license in South Carolina? Most states do not require a statewide occupational license. Employers typically expect FAA A&P written, oral, and practical tests. See the licensing section below.
What do aircraft mechanics earn in South Carolina? The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics in South Carolina is $75,160 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $45,230 and experienced professionals can earn $84,600 or more 1.
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in South Carolina
- Meet FAA basic requirements. A&P applicants need a high school diploma or GED and to meet FAA eligibility rules.
- Complete Part 147 training or document experience. Graduate from an FAA Part 147 school or document the experience the FAA accepts, including military. This is not a registered apprenticeship path even if some employers use apprentices.
- Pass FAA written, oral, and practical tests. Pass General, Airframe, and Powerplant tests. Confirm current totals with the FAA and the school.
- Receive the A&P certificate. The FAA issues the certificate. South Carolina does not issue a statewide A&P license. Inspection Authorization is a later optional rating.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the program and employer before you enroll.
Aircraft Mechanic License Requirements in South Carolina
Aircraft mechanics hold an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate. South Carolina does not issue a state A&P license.
Typical path
Complete Part 147 training or document FAA-accepted experience.
Pass written, oral, and practical tests.
Receive the FAA A&P certificate.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the program and employer before you enroll.
Aircraft Mechanic Wages by Metro Area in South Carolina
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Wages by Metro Area in South Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), aircraft mechanics and service technicians wages in South Carolina vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 1,310 | $78,580 | $85,630 | $51,650 | $128,920 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer | 510 | $81,450 | $72,580 | $47,070 | $82,150 |
| Charleston-North Charleston | 380 | $81,690 | $78,560 | $65,820 | $93,160 |
| Columbia | 260 | $73,110 | $67,110 | $44,390 | $80,600 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach | 210 | $59,360 | $57,790 | $43,700 | $71,720 |
| Spartanburg | 120 | $50,050 | $61,460 | $50,050 | $81,530 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | 80 | $57,840 | $57,150 | $35,830 | $75,070 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal | 60 | $76,780 | $73,930 | $60,790 | $84,010 |
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 .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for aircraft mechanics in South Carolina? South Carolina currently employs approximately 1,660 aircraft mechanics 1. Nationally, aircraft mechanic employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in South Carolina? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in South Carolina.
How much do aircraft mechanics earn in South Carolina compared to the national average? The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics in South Carolina is $75,160, which is $3,520 below the national median of $78,680 according to BLS data 1.
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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
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / 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) |