Aircraft Mechanic Pay by State

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Mississippi (2026)

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

Mississippi's aviation economy is bigger than people think — helicopter and defense-aviation work around the coast, MRO shops in the Golden Triangle, and ag aviation across the Delta. Cost of living is among the lowest in the country, which makes mid-range A&P pay go a long way.

Mississippi Aircraft Mechanic Pay Range

$45-85k

⚙ MRO & defense aviation 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$45k

Experienced A&P$66k

Lead / Inspector (IA)$88k+

Before You Decide

Is A&P School Worth It vs College?

See how a Mississippi 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 Mississippi

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

Airbus Helicopters (Columbus)★ 4.0 (7 reviews)

Stark Aerospace (Columbus)★ 3.8 (5 reviews)

A&P Schools & Training in Mississippi

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.

Hinds Community CollegeAviation Maintenance Technology (Part 147) — Jackson area

How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Mississippi

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 Mississippi?

Aircraft mechanics in Mississippi earn roughly $45-85k depending on employer and experience. New A&Ps start around $45k, experienced mechanics reach $66k, and lead mechanics or inspectors (IA) at airlines and cargo carriers clear $88k+ with license premiums and shift differentials. MRO & defense aviation push higher.

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

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 Mississippi?

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 Mississippi aircraft mechanics train and work?

A&P and aviation maintenance programs in Mississippi include Hinds Community College. Hiring nearby: Airbus Helicopters (Columbus), Stark Aerospace (Columbus).