Aircraft Mechanic Pay by State

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in North Dakota (2026)

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

North Dakota is quietly one of the most aviation-forward states in the country — Grand Forks is a national hub for unmanned-aircraft development, Fargo has a strong bizav and completion scene, and the energy economy keeps corporate and GA fleets flying.

North Dakota Aircraft Mechanic Pay Range

$48-90k

⚙ UAS & GA growth 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota

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

Fargo Jet Center★ 4.1 (7 reviews)

Appareo Systems (Fargo)★ 4.0 (6 reviews)

A&P Schools & Training in North Dakota

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.

In-state Part 147 options are limitedNorthland Community & Technical College (Thief River Falls, MN) sits just across the border and feeds this market — confirm current options at source

How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in North Dakota

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 North Dakota?

Aircraft mechanics in North Dakota 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. UAS & GA growth push higher.

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

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 North Dakota?

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 North Dakota aircraft mechanics train and work?

Northland Community & Technical College (Thief River Falls, MN) sits just across the border and feeds this market — confirm current options at source. Hiring nearby: Fargo Jet Center, Appareo Systems (Fargo).