Aircraft Mechanic Pay by State
Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Florida (2026)
Real A&P pay, Part 147 schools, and how to start — from US Trade Route, built by a working tradesman. Updated July 2026.
Florida might be the best A&P job market in America — Miami is the MRO gateway to Latin America, Orlando and Tampa run huge airline operations, and the state is wall-to-wall with repair stations, completion centers, and flight schools that all need mechanics. You will not run out of options here.
Florida Aircraft Mechanic Pay Range
$50-100k
⚙ Year-round MRO volume & OT push higher
The A&P Pay Ladder
Aircraft mechanic pay climbs with your certificate and your seat. New A&Ps start on the line or in the hangar; experienced mechanics add type experience and shift premiums; the top of the ladder is lead positions and the Inspection Authorization (IA) — and at airlines and cargo carriers, license premiums and union scale stack on top of all of it.
New A&P Mechanic$50k
Experienced A&P$74k
Lead / Inspector (IA)$100k+
Before You Decide
Is A&P School Worth It vs College?
See how a Florida aircraft mechanic career stacks up against a four-year degree — lifetime earnings, debt, and net worth, side by side.
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Who Hires Aircraft Mechanics in Florida
These are large, established employers of aircraft mechanics operating in Florida — airlines, MRO (maintenance, repair & overhaul) facilities, and aviation service providers. Pay, schedule, and culture vary by employer, so ask around before you commit.
American Airlines Maintenance (MIA)
StandardAero (multiple FL sites)
Embraer Aircraft Maintenance (Fort Lauderdale)
A&P Schools & Training in Florida
The standard route is an FAA Part 147 school — 12-24 months, roughly 1,900 curriculum hours, typically $20-50k (community-college programs run far less). Most Part 147 schools accept the GI Bill. Rosters change — always confirm a school's current programs directly.
Broward CollegeFort Lauderdale, FL · Certificate (1-2 yr)
Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville, FL · Certificate (1-2 yr)
Universal Technical Institute-South Florida MiramarMiramar, FL · Certificate (2-4 yr)
Pasco-Hernando State CollegeNew Port Richey, FL · Associate degree
See all 19 aircraft mechanic programs in Florida →How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Florida
The path is federal, applied locally: graduate an FAA Part 147 program (or document 30 months of hands-on experience — the route most military mechanics use), then pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams for the Airframe and Powerplant ratings. That A&P certificate is a federal license good in all 50 states — no four-year degree at any step.
For the complete step-by-step — costs, the experience route, and what the exams cover — read our full guide to becoming an aircraft mechanic. Thinking about the cockpit instead? See the pilot guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aircraft mechanics make in Florida?
Aircraft mechanics in Florida earn roughly $50-100k depending on employer and experience. New A&Ps start around $50k, experienced mechanics reach $74k, and lead mechanics or inspectors (IA) at airlines and cargo carriers clear $100k+ with license premiums and shift differentials. Year-round MRO volume & OT push higher.
How long does it take to become an aircraft mechanic in Florida?
The standard route is an FAA Part 147 school — 12-24 months and roughly 1,900 curriculum hours — then the FAA written, oral, and practical exams for the Airframe and Powerplant ratings. The alternative is documenting 30 months of hands-on experience, the path most military mechanics use.
Do you need a degree to be an aircraft mechanic in Florida?
No. The A&P is a federal certificate, not a degree — you qualify through a Part 147 school (typically $20-50k, far less at community colleges) or documented experience, then pass the FAA exams. Most Part 147 schools accept the GI Bill.
Where do Florida aircraft mechanics train and work?
A&P and aviation maintenance programs in Florida include George T. Baker Aviation Technical College and Broward College. Hiring nearby: American Airlines Maintenance (MIA), StandardAero (multiple FL sites), Embraer Aircraft Maintenance (Fort Lauderdale).
Florida School Directory
All 18 Aircraft Maintenance Programs in Florida
Every aircraft maintenance school in Florida — locations, credentials, and links. No inquiry form, no lead broker. We never sell your info.
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