Aircraft Mechanic Pay by State

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Iowa (2026)

Real A&P pay, Part 147 schools, and how to start — from US Trade Route, built by a working tradesman. Updated July 2026.

Iowa's aviation secret is Cedar Rapids and Des Moines corporate work plus one of the best-known completion and avionics scenes in the Midwest. Collins Aerospace anchors the avionics side, and regional MRO shops keep A&Ps busy without coastal cost of living.

Iowa Aircraft Mechanic Pay Range

$48-90k

⚙ Bizav completion & avionics 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$48k

Experienced A&P$70k

Lead / Inspector (IA)$92k+

Before You Decide

Is A&P School Worth It vs College?

See how a Iowa aircraft mechanic career stacks up against a four-year degree — lifetime earnings, debt, and net worth, side by side.

Run the Wealth Calculator → See the pay map →

Who Hires Aircraft Mechanics in Iowa

Airlines, MRO shops, cargo carriers, manufacturers, and business-aviation service centers are where A&Ps work — and in Iowa, these are the names mechanics know, based on reviews from mechanics in the field.

Collins Aerospace (Cedar Rapids)★ 4.1 (14 reviews)

Elliott Aviation (Des Moines)★ 4.0 (8 reviews)

A&P Schools & Training in Iowa

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.

Indian Hills Community CollegeAviation Maintenance Technology (Part 147) — Ottumwa

How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Iowa

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 Iowa?

Aircraft mechanics in Iowa earn roughly $48-90k depending on employer and experience. New A&Ps start around $48k, experienced mechanics reach $70k, and lead mechanics or inspectors (IA) at airlines and cargo carriers clear $92k+ with license premiums and shift differentials. Bizav completion & avionics push higher.

How long does it take to become an aircraft mechanic in Iowa?

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 Iowa?

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 Iowa aircraft mechanics train and work?

A&P and aviation maintenance programs in Iowa include Indian Hills Community College. Hiring nearby: Collins Aerospace (Cedar Rapids), Elliott Aviation (Des Moines).