How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Washington (2026)
Washington employs about 4,480 aircraft mechanics earning a median $98,980 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 (Washington): $98,980/yr (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Employed in Washington: 4,480 workers (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Location quotient: 1.42x U.S. average (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Projected growth: 4.0% (2024-2034) (Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024)
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Washington employs approximately 4,480 aircraft mechanics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $98,980 1. The state’s concentration of aircraft mechanic jobs is 1.42x 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 Washington, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Aircraft Mechanic Wages by Metro Area in Washington
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Wages by Metro Area in Washington
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), aircraft mechanics and service technicians wages in Washington vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 3,950 | $103,900 | $96,290 | $59,520 | $119,040 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 1,440 | $93,910 | $92,900 | $61,060 | $131,070 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | 610 | $83,760 | $92,830 | $59,330 | $135,930 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | 100 | $75,280 | $75,100 | $46,610 | $94,180 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | 60 | $67,440 | $67,950 | $47,790 | $93,970 |
| Bellingham | 30 | $78,420 | $76,920 | $48,800 | $119,600 |
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 (Washington): $98,980 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Washington
How to become an aircraft mechanic in Washington? Washington 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 Washington? 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 Washington? The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics in Washington is $98,980 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $58,450 and experienced professionals can earn $117,740 or more 1.
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Washington
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Washington training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an accredited trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Washington that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Earn an industry certification. While Washington 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 Washington
Washington 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 Washington for details on certification preparation courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for aircraft mechanics in Washington? Washington currently employs approximately 4,480 aircraft mechanics 1. Nationally, aircraft mechanic employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Washington? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Washington.
How much do aircraft mechanics earn in Washington compared to the national average? The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics in Washington is $98,980, which is $20,300 above 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
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.
| 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) |