Aircraft Mechanic Pay by State

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Montana (2026)

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

Montana flying is working flying — aerial firefighting fleets, backcountry operators, ag aircraft, and the airline stations in Bozeman and Billings that grew fast with the state. Neptune Aviation's air-tanker fleet in Missoula is one of the more interesting wrench jobs anywhere.

Montana Aircraft Mechanic Pay Range

$45-85k

⚙ Firefighting & backcountry fleets 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 Montana 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 Montana

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

Neptune Aviation Services (Missoula)★ 4.1 (8 reviews)

Edwards Jet Center (Billings)★ 3.9 (5 reviews)

A&P Schools & Training in Montana

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.

Helena College — University of MontanaAviation Maintenance Technology (Part 147)

How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Montana

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 Montana?

Aircraft mechanics in Montana 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. Firefighting & backcountry fleets push higher.

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

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 Montana?

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 Montana aircraft mechanics train and work?

A&P and aviation maintenance programs in Montana include Helena College — University of Montana. Hiring nearby: Neptune Aviation Services (Missoula), Edwards Jet Center (Billings).