Your A&P Career Starts Here.
Free FAA study tools, oral exam practice, aviation career guidance, and employer research — built for future and current aircraft mechanics.
Choose Your Next Step
What brings you here?
Pick the closest match and we'll point you to the most useful next steps. You can still browse the full roadmap anytime — no account required.
I'm Exploring Aviation Maintenance
Curious whether this career path is right for you in the Pacific Northwest.
I'm Studying for My A&P
In a Part 147 program or preparing for FAA written, oral, and practical exams.
I'm Looking for My Next Aviation Job
Licensed or close to it — targeting regional, major, cargo, or Boeing roles.
The path
Four stages. Your career, your timeline.
Each stage has clear milestones, a realistic pay band, and the PNW employers that hire into it. How fast you progress depends on your qualifications, experience, hiring conditions, and the opportunities you pursue — not a fixed schedule.
Pay bands reflect public job postings, union scale sheets, and U.S. BLS data. Total compensation at the cargo stage can reach $150K+ with overtime, premiums, and seniority — that is not typical and not guaranteed. Verify current rates before you decide.
PNW AMT Earnings by Stage
Estimated ranges — BLS May 2025 median: $79,870/yr nationally. PNW figures are estimates.
Tap a bar for details · tap outside to close
Salary Details & Sources
PNW estimates only. $150K+ possible at cargo/major top-scale with OT, premiums & seniority — not guaranteed. Data reviewed October 2026.
Stage 01 · Training Period
Foundation
A&P License & Certification
Your journey begins with earning your FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license. This credential opens doors throughout the PNW aviation market.
Key highlights
- ·Complete FAA-approved Part 147 training at South Seattle College, Clover Park, or similar programs
- ·Pass three FAA knowledge (written) tests: General, Airframe, and Powerplant
- ·Pass the Oral & Practical (O&P) exam with a DME — hands-on tasks plus oral questioning
- ·Inspection Authorization (IA) is a later-career add-on: requires holding an A&P, meeting FAA experience requirements, and passing an additional exam
- ·Build foundation in Boeing 737/787 systems common at SEA hub
Training programs
Action plan
- ·Schedule a campus tour at South Seattle College or Clover Park
- ·Apply for FAFSA and WA State Need Grant before deadlines
- ·Contact Veterans Affairs office if eligible for GI Bill benefits
- ·Attend an A&P program info session
- ·Research tool programs (Snap-on, Mac Tools student discounts)
Stage 02 · 0-18 Months
First Job
Experience Building (0-1.5 Years)
$30-$39/hr ~ est.est. base · see sources
Your first role is about grinding experience and building your reputation. Regional airlines and MROs in the PNW offer excellent entry points.
Key highlights
- ·Regional airlines (Horizon Air, SkyWest) offer structured training programs
- ·MROs like ATS at Paine Field provide diverse aircraft exposure
- ·Night shifts often come with differential pay (+$2-4/hr)
- ·Document everything - your logbook is your resume
PNW employers
Action plan
- ·Apply to Horizon Air, SkyWest, and at least two MROs simultaneously
- ·Register on Teamwork Aviation job board and set alerts
- ·Ask two instructors for reference letters before graduation
- ·Research which companies hire new A&Ps without experience
- ·Accept night/swing shift offers — day shift comes with seniority
Stage 03 · 18-36 Months Experience
Major Airlines
The Big Leagues (1.5-3 Years)
$48-$66/hr ~ est.est. base · see sources
With solid experience, you're ready for the majors. Alaska Airlines and Delta's SEA hub are the primary targets in the Pacific Northwest.
Key highlights
- ·Alaska Airlines starting rate: ~$44/hr with rapid progression
- ·Delta SEA Hub: Union scale, excellent benefits, profit sharing
- ·United maintenance opportunities at nearby bases
- ·Full benefits package: medical, dental, flight benefits, 401k match
PNW employers
Action plan
- ·Update resume to include specific aircraft types (737, E175) and systems
- ·Apply to Alaska Airlines careers portal — check every 2 weeks for postings
- ·Apply to Delta TechOps SEA and Boeing Commercial simultaneously
- ·Get a letter of recommendation from a Lead or Supervisor
- ·Prepare for a hangar skills test (many majors test you hands-on)
Stage 04 · 3+ Years Experience
Cargo & Specialty
Peak Earnings (possible $150K+ with OT/premiums)
$50-$74+/hr ~ est.est. base · see sources
The top tier of AMT earnings. Cargo carriers and AOG specialists command premium compensation. $150K+ is possible at top-scale cargo/major airline roles with overtime, premiums, seniority, shift differential, or specialty work. $200K+ generally requires heavy overtime, premium assignments, high hourly scale, or unusual schedule conditions. High-end earnings are not guaranteed — actual pay depends on employer, contract, station, seniority, shift, and OT availability.
Key highlights
- ·UPS/FedEx: $150K+ possible total comp with significant OT, premiums & seniority — not guaranteed
- ·AOG (Aircraft on Ground) road warriors earn premium rates
- ·Boeing Field private/corporate opportunities
- ·Lead/supervisory roles with additional premium
PNW employers
Action plan
- ·Monitor UPS/FedEx careers portals — roles open with little notice
- ·Network with anyone at ANC hub (Anchorage = fastest seniority path)
- ·Complete any widebody type course if opportunity arises (767, 747)
- ·Explore IA (Inspection Authorization) — requires 3 years of experience
- ·Contact aviation recruiters who specialize in cargo (they work fast)
Jobs That Build Your AMT Resume Right Now
These jobs are available to students — they pay, they teach, and they get you noticed
The goal isn't just the paycheck. It's showing up to your first A&P interview with a logbook, a ramp badge, and a story about fixing things — while your competition has only classroom hours.
PNW Aviation Employers — Where Do You Fit?
Compare pay, union structure, culture, and career paths across major PNW aviation employers
Employer Comparison Tool
Select up to 4 employers to compare side-by-side
| Category | 🏔️ Alaska Airlines | 📦 UPS Airlines | 🌲 Horizon Air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Pay | $48–52/hr all-in | ~$31/hr (entry) | ~$30/hr + license premium |
| Top-out Pay | ~$68.85/hr (7 yrs) | ~$75/hr (5th–6th yr) | ~$39–44/hr |
| Time to Top-out | 7 years | 5–6 years | 3–4 years |
| Union | AMFA | Teamsters 2727 | AMFA |
| Pension | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Profit Sharing | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Travel Benefits | ✅ Full flight benefits | ⚠️ Limited jumpseat | ✅ Alaska/Horizon benefits |
| Insurance | Employee-contributed | ✅ UPS pays 100% premium | Employee-contributed |
| Shift Quality | ⭐⭐⭐ Nights early on | ⭐⭐ ANC nights; BFI/PDX may vary | ⭐⭐ Nights likely early on |
| OT Availability | Moderate | Very high (hours-based) | Good (nights especially) |
| Lead Premium | +$3/hr | Yes | Yes |
| Night Differential | +$1.50/hr | Significant | Yes |
| Hiring Difficulty | Moderate (1.5+ yrs) | Hard (5+ yrs) | Easy (new A&P welcome) |
| Pay Score | |||
| Lifestyle Score | |||
| Stability Score | |||
| Career Growth |
PNW-Verified Data — Last reviewed May 22, 2026. This section prioritizes Washington/PNW public job postings, union contracts, and verified employer announcements. Non-PNW postings are not used as a basis for PNW pay estimates unless clearly labeled as a "national benchmark." Always verify with current job postings, union scales, and employer offers before making career decisions.
BLS May 2024 national median pay for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: $78,680/year. Lowest 10%: under $47,790. Highest 10%: over $120,080. Employment growth: 5% projected 2024–2034.
8 employers shown
Alaska Airlines
Best target for PNW regional mechanics with 1.5–3 yrs. Contract-verified AMFA CBA through Oct 2028. Seniority-driven; top scale in ~7 years. (Culture notes: community reported.)
Best For
Regional mechanics with 1.5–3 years experience
Alaska Airlines is the PNW's hometown carrier. Their Seattle hub is the primary maintenance base — line-focused, union-strong, and a stepping stone to senior roles or specialized tracks. Seniority drives everything: your shift, your base, your vacation. The current AMFA CBA runs Oct 17, 2023–Oct 17, 2028. All-in starting estimate with A&P license and line premiums is about $44.16/hr (rising to ~$45.21 after Oct 2026); top scale estimate is ~$67.35/hr (rising to ~$69.07/hr). Does not include OT, night shift, lead, or longevity.
Seniority does NOT transfer between companies.
Seniority controls your shift, vacation, OT priority, base transfer, and layoff order. It starts at zero every time you change employers.
Pro Tip
Apply for multiple stations if possible. SEA is competitive — seniority rules everything once you're in, so getting in earlier matters more than which station.
Current Job Openings
Click "Search Jobs" to find current openings
Delta Air Lines
PNW-verified Delta starting pay ($43.47/hr posted for SEA, est. $45.21/hr after June 1 raise). Non-union, corporate feel. Profit-sharing is real. Top-scale is community reported. (Culture notes: community reported.)
Best For
Process-driven mechanics comfortable in a performance-based culture
Delta's SEA hub (TechOps) supports a diverse narrowbody and widebody fleet — rare in the PNW. Non-union means no seniority bidding system: advancement is performance-based. A Seattle posting (Apr 21, 2026) listed $43.47/hr starting. Delta announced a 4% raise effective June 1, 2026; if applied to Seattle AMTs, the estimated rate is approximately $45.21/hr (verify against current postings after June 1). Delta profit sharing varies by company profit — recent payouts were about 10% of eligible earnings for 2024 and 8.9% for 2025 per Delta announcements.
Seniority does NOT transfer between companies.
Seniority controls your shift, vacation, OT priority, base transfer, and layoff order. It starts at zero every time you change employers.
Pro Tip
Treat documentation like it's the job — because it is. Clean logbook entries and paperwork discipline separate average from standout at Delta.
Current Job Openings
Click "Search Jobs" to find current openings
Boeing Commercial
Manufacturing ≠ airline mx. Procedure-heavy, IAM-751 structure. A&P preferred but not always required. Pension is increasingly rare in aviation — real long-term value. (Culture notes: community reported.)
Best For
Structures-focused mechanics, new grads, those wanting stable day-shift work
Boeing employs thousands of mechanics in production, delivery, modification, and flight test. A May 2026 Everett posting lists $35.32/hr entry pay with potential up to $62.45/hr under the IAM-751 CBA. A&P certificate is preferred but not universally required. Must be willing to work any shift. More repetitive than airline line work, but depth of aircraft systems knowledge is unmatched in the PNW. The traditional pension plan is a major long-term differentiator.
Seniority does NOT transfer between companies.
Seniority controls your shift, vacation, OT priority, base transfer, and layoff order. It starts at zero every time you change employers.
Pro Tip
Learn to love the spec, the drawing, and the paper trail. Boeing rewards people who follow the process — freestyling is how you get removed from the line.
Current Job Openings
Click "Search Jobs" to find current openings
UPS Airlines
High-earning cargo target. Contract existence verified (Teamsters Local 2727). Exact pay scale is community reported — verify from Local 2727 materials or current postings. OT is hours-based (not seniority). ANC is night-heavy; other stations may vary. (Culture notes: community reported.)
Best For
5+ years experience, major airline background, income-focused, willing to relocate to ANC
UPS Airlines is one of the highest-paying cargo AMT targets in the PNW. Teamsters Local 2727 contract (extension through Nov. 1, 2029 included pay and retirement improvements). Exact current pay scale should be verified from Local 2727 contract materials or current job postings — community reports commonly place top-scale cargo AMT pay in the low-to-mid $70s/hr range before overtime, but this is community reported. $150K+ total comp is possible with significant overtime, premiums, and seniority — not guaranteed.
Seniority does NOT transfer between companies.
Seniority controls your shift, vacation, OT priority, base transfer, and layoff order. It starts at zero every time you change employers.
Pro Tip
Don't plan on UPS right out of school. Build a resume that makes you obvious: 5+ years of documented reliability, troubleshooting reps, and a proven shift tolerance for nights.
Current Job Openings
Click "Search Jobs" to find current openings
FedEx Express
Non-union, corporate. PNW openings are rare. Newark/Jamaica postings show ~$49.88–$54.08/hr. Indeed aggregator lists average ~$43.34/hr based on limited posting data. Exact PNW scale should be verified from current postings. (Culture notes: community reported.)
Best For
3+ years experience, prefers structured corporate environment over union shop
FedEx Express can be a high-paying cargo AMT path, especially in line maintenance and hub operations, but exact PNW availability and progression should be verified from current FedEx postings. Non-union and corporate. Current posting/aggregator data: Newark/Jamaica postings ~$49.88–$54.08/hr; Indeed aggregator lists ~$43.34/hr average based on limited data. PNW stations are smaller, meaning openings are rare but competition is fierce when they appear.
Seniority does NOT transfer between companies.
Seniority controls your shift, vacation, OT priority, base transfer, and layoff order. It starts at zero every time you change employers.
Pro Tip
Be ready for nights and a metrics-driven culture. Watch job boards closely — PNW openings are rare and fill fast. Consistency and compliance wins over personality.
Current Job Openings
Click "Search Jobs" to find current openings
Horizon Air
The #1 first job for PNW A&P grads. New 4-year AMFA contract ratified May 2025 — exact current scale should be verified from contract or current postings. Alaska Air Group flight benefits. Most use it as a 2–3 year Alaska launchpad. (Culture notes: community reported.)
Best For
New A&P graduates, anyone targeting Alaska Airlines in 2–3 years
Horizon Air is Alaska Airlines' regional partner and a strong entry/regional path for new A&Ps. A new 4-year AMFA contract was ratified in May 2025, including wage scale increases, separate vacation/sick accruals, and other compensation improvements. Exact current pay scale should be verified from the 2025 AMFA/Horizon contract or current job postings. Benefits include medical/dental/vision, retirement plan, and Alaska Air Group standby travel privileges.
Seniority does NOT transfer between companies.
Seniority controls your shift, vacation, OT priority, base transfer, and layoff order. It starts at zero every time you change employers.
Pro Tip
Take the night shift early — you'll see more aircraft, learn faster, and build the credibility that makes your Alaska Airlines application obvious rather than optional.
Current Job Openings
Click "Search Jobs" to find current openings
ATS / MRO (Paine Field area)
Good experience-builder for new A&Ps. Exposure to diverse aircraft and maintenance tasks. Pay is below major airline/cargo top-scale but provides solid resume-building at entry level.
Best For
New A&Ps building experience, anyone targeting Boeing/Alaska/UPS in 2–4 years
Aviation Technical Services (ATS) and other Paine Field area MROs offer accessible entry points for new A&Ps. Current Everett postings show ~$23.50–$37/hr for mechanic roles and ~$20.77–$22/hr for apprentice roles. Lower than major airline/cargo top-scale, but excellent for building diverse maintenance experience and resume depth before targeting higher-paying employers.
Seniority does NOT transfer between companies.
Seniority controls your shift, vacation, OT priority, base transfer, and layoff order. It starts at zero every time you change employers.
Pro Tip
Document every aircraft type and system you touch. MRO breadth of experience (structures, avionics, systems) is a strong differentiator when applying to majors.
Current Job Openings
Click "Search Jobs" to find current openings
Ameriflight Seattle
Good Part 135 experience builder. Nose-to-tail A&P work on diverse aircraft. Pay is below major cargo/airline top-scale but provides diverse maintenance experience.
Best For
Mechanics building Part 135 experience, anyone targeting larger cargo carriers
Ameriflight is a Part 135 cargo airline with a Seattle presence. A Seattle A&P mechanic posting shows $24.50–$42.50/hr. Good experience path for nose-to-tail aircraft maintenance — valuable for building a diverse logbook before targeting UPS, FedEx, or major airlines.
Seniority does NOT transfer between companies.
Seniority controls your shift, vacation, OT priority, base transfer, and layoff order. It starts at zero every time you change employers.
Pro Tip
Part 135 nose-to-tail work gives you breadth that airline line mechanics don't always get. Document every aircraft type and system sign-off.
Current Job Openings
Click "Search Jobs" to find current openings
Get Started Smart
School costs, free study materials, and financial aid for your A&P training
South Seattle College
Seattle, WA
FAA Part 147 Approved (AMTS)
Seattle living costs add significantly to total program cost. Strong placement into SEA-area employers.
Everett Community College
Everett, WA (Paine Field area)
FAA Part 147 Approved (AMTS)
Best option if your goal is Boeing or Paine Field MRO work. Heavy aerospace industry environment in Everett.
Clover Park Technical College
Lakewood, WA (South Sound)
FAA-Approved AMT Program
Well-suited for Tacoma/South Sound area students. Solid military transition pathway due to JBLM proximity.
Spokane Community College
Spokane, WA (Eastern WA)
FAA Part 147 Approved
Airframe-only certificate may be available on shorter timeline — this is NOT the full A&P.
Airframe certificate options exist but the FULL A&P requires the full 18–24 month program. Do not confuse partial certificates with the full A&P license.
Big Bend Community College
Moses Lake, WA (Central WA)
FAA Part 147 Approved (AMTS)
Smallest aviation job market nearby — most graduates relocate to Seattle/Tacoma/Everett for work. Best if cost minimization is the priority.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM)
National network — not verified as PNW-local school
FAA-Approved (national/private network)
Verify current campus locations and enrollment status directly with AIM before applying.
AIM is a national/private school network. A Renton, WA campus has been reported but is NOT verified as a currently operating PNW-local campus in this dataset — confirm directly with AIM before enrolling. Private school pricing is significantly higher than PNW community college options. Same FAA A&P license at the end. Compare costs carefully.
Important notes on school data:
- •All timelines shown are for the full A&P certificate (Airframe + Powerplant). Partial certificates exist at some schools but do not qualify you for airline employment.
- •FAA mechanic certificates have Airframe and Powerplant ratings — having both is what's commonly called an "A&P certificate." Applicants generally need to be 18+, able to read/write/speak/understand English, and qualify through FAA-approved AMTS training, documented practical experience, or qualifying military training. See FAA: Become an Aviation Mechanic.
- •Cost figures are estimates only — tuition changes each academic year. Always verify with the school's financial aid office directly.
- •Multiple valid pathways exist. A student at Big Bend can end up at Alaska Airlines just like a South Seattle grad — the license is the same. School choice mostly affects cost, location, and networking.
- •AIM is a national/private network — verify any PNW campus directly with AIM before applying.
Data last reviewed May 22, 2026. Sources: FAA AMTS directory, school websites. Tuition figures are estimates.
Cost Saving Tips
- Apply for FAFSA even if you think you won't qualify - many students are surprised
- Buy used tools on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist - retiring mechanics often sell complete sets
- Check if your school has a tool lending program or rental option
- Don't buy books until class starts - professors will tell you what's actually required
A&P Exam Guide
Everything you need to know about FAA written tests, oral & practical exams, costs, and where to take them in the PNW
Testing Timeline
Complete A&P School
18-24 monthsWritten Exams (General, Airframe, Powerplant)
1-3 monthsSchedule DME for O&P
2-8 weeks waitOral & Practical Exam
6-8 hoursReceive A&P Certificate
ImmediateWritten Exams
General
Key Topics:
Airframe
Key Topics:
Powerplant
Key Topics:
All three FAA written tests
Full A&P certification exam
Most students pay around $1,700–$2,100 total
(Does not include retakes: $175 per written or $200+ per O&P section)
Study Resources
Best tools to prepare for the FAA written exams — ranked from most recommended to supplemental.
Prepware Online
ASA (Aviation Supplies & Academics)
The gold standard for A&P written exam prep. Uses the actual FAA question bank with explanations. Available as a web app and mobile app (iOS & Android).
FAA Airman Knowledge Testing
Federal Aviation Administration (free)
Official FAA testing page with sample questions, testing supplements, and the official question bank PDFs for General, Airframe, and Powerplant. Start here before spending money on anything else.
OpenExamPrep — Free A&P Practice
OpenExamPrep.com
200+ free FAA A&P practice questions with explanations covering General, Airframe, and Powerplant. Great for quick review sessions without a subscription.
ASA Test Guides (Book)
ASA — asa2fly.com
Physical or digital test guides for General, Airframe, and Powerplant. Each includes all current FAA questions with answer explanations.
FAA Knowledge Testing Supplement
Federal Aviation Administration (free PDF)
The official figures, charts, and diagrams used during the written exam. Download and study this supplement — you'll see these exact charts in the test. Do not skip this.
Quizlet — A&P Flashcard Sets
Community-created
Community-built flashcard decks for A&P oral and written prep. Search "FAA A&P airframe oral" or "A&P powerplant" for the best decks.
Where to Take Written Tests
PSI Testing Center - Seattle
600 Stewart St, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98101
Downtown Seattle - most convenient for Seattle metro area
PSI Testing Center - Tacoma
Multiple locations - schedule online
Check PSI website for current Tacoma/Pierce County locations
PSI Testing Center - Spokane
Multiple locations - schedule online
Eastern Washington testing availability
Scheduling: Book at faa.psiexams.com • Results immediate • Bring government-issued photo ID • Receive AKTR on the spot
Oral & Practical Exam (O&P)
What to Expect
The O&P is conducted by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) — typically a full day (6–8 hours). You will complete oral questioning and hands-on practical tasks demonstrating your skills.
- • Answer questions on aircraft systems
- • Explain maintenance procedures
- • Interpret regulations and manuals
- • Discuss safety practices
- • Perform actual maintenance tasks
- • Safety wire, torque, rigging
- • Sheet metal repair
- • Engine troubleshooting
PNW Designated Mechanic Examiners (DMEs)
4 examiners shown
Aviation Maintenance Technologies (AMT)
Large facility, frequently used by South Seattle College grads. Well-equipped shop. Full A&P O&P testing.
Rainer Flight Service
Close to South Seattle College. Experienced DMEs with fair reputation. Full A&P certification.
Aero Consulting Experts
Professional operation. Books up quickly - schedule 2-3 months ahead. Full A&P and single ratings available.
Northwest Aviation Services
Convenient Boeing Field location. Known for thorough but fair testing. Full A&P certification.
Important: DME fees are NOT set by the FAA — they vary significantly. Costs shown are typical PNW ranges for full A&P. Single ratings often $700–900.
DMEs book 2–3 months out in peak season (May–July). Contact multiple examiners to compare.
Find More DMEs: Use the FAA Designee Locator or check the FAA testing info page.
Study Planner
Create Your Study Schedule
Enter your exam dates to get a personalized study plan
Pro Tips for Success
Written exams are valid for 24 months - don't wait too long to do your O&P
Study using ASA or Gleim test prep software - questions come from the same bank
Take all 3 written tests close together while knowledge is fresh
Your school can endorse you for the writtens - no additional experience needed
For O&P exam, bring your own tools and be prepared to demonstrate tasks
DMEs book up fast in spring/summer (graduation season) - schedule early
Failed sections can be retaken after 30 days - you only retest failed portions
Some DMEs offer "mock practicals" for $100-200 to practice beforehand
Ask. Share. Connect.
Get answers from PNW mechanics, share DME experiences, and swap study strategies.
1 post
Keep it respectful and helpful. No verified credentials — always cross-check critical information.
A&P Study & Quiz
General, Airframe, Powerplant, and Safety — review flashcards or test yourself
What is FOD and why does it matter to aviation maintenance?
Tap to reveal answer
FAA Oral Exam PrepInterview Practice
Practice FAA O&P oral exam questions with AI feedback
AI-generated questions and feedback are educational aids. Always verify against authoritative FAA materials (14 CFR, AMM, ACs, ACS) and your school's curriculum before relying on them for exam or interview preparation.
ACS Subject Area
Question Type
Road to $150K+
Four documented paths from A&P school to top-tier AMT compensation in the PNW
Note: These paths are based on real trajectories from PNW AMTs. Timelines vary based on hiring cycles, seniority, and personal choices. None are guaranteed.
Reality of the Job
The honest, unfiltered truth about being an AMT in the Pacific Northwest — from people who've lived it
This section reflects real experiences from PNW mechanics. Situations vary by employer, station, and seniority. Use it as perspective, not prediction.
What They Don't Tell You
Hyper-local tips from PNW mechanics — school-specific intel, employer secrets, and exam tricks
Career Copilot
Get personalized career guidance, course recommendations, and practice for interviews
Sign in to access My Career Dashboard
Sign in to track your FAA exam progress, job applications, school progress, and get daily personalized action items.
Free · No credit card · Your data stays private
Pay & claim verification log
An operator review of the pay figures and factual claims shown across the site. Each item is marked Verified, Estimate, or Needs verification so we can tell confirmed information from figures that must be re-checked before they're relied on.
Salaries
U.S. median aircraft mechanic wage is roughly $80K/yr ($38.40/hr).
VerifiedSource: U.S. BLS OOH — Aircraft & Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
BLS OOH, May 2025: aircraft mechanics & service technicians median $79,870/yr ($38.40/hr); avionics $82,280; combined group $80,180. 159,800 jobs; 6% projected growth 2025–35.
First-job (regional/MRO) pay band: ~$30–39/hr.
EstimateSource: Indeed (Horizon Air, Everett WA); public postings
Horizon Air AMT ~$32.55/hr avg (Indeed, Everett). Regional/MRO entry typically $30–39/hr. Verify the specific employer before citing.
Major airline pay band: ~$48–66/hr (18–36 months experience).
EstimateSource: AMFA / Alaska Airlines ratified contract
AMFA 5-year contract (ratified 2024, eff. Oct 2023): top-of-scale $65.85/hr for technician classifications; AMFA reports Alaska "all-in" $68.85/hr. Mid-scale ~$48–55. Confirm current scale on Alaska careers.
Alaska Airlines starting rate ~$44/hr.
EstimateSource: AMFA / Alaska Airlines contract; community reports
New AMFA contract ratified 2024. Community reports put starting all-in around $42–44/hr; top-of-scale is $65.85/hr. Verify the exact starting rate on Alaska careers.
Cargo/specialty pay band: ~$50–74/hr.
Needs verificationSource: Public postings, community reports
FedEx Express AMT community-reported ~$30–48/hr range; UPS/Atlas top scale is higher. $50–74/hr reflects top-scale with seniority. Verify current UPS/FedEx/Atlas scale before citing.
$150K+ is possible at cargo/major roles with heavy overtime, premiums, and seniority.
EstimateSource: Community reports
Not guaranteed and not typical. Already caveated in copy. Keep the caveat.
$200K+ generally requires heavy overtime, premium assignments, or unusual schedules.
EstimateSource: Community reports
High-end edge case. Keep caveat; do not present as typical.
Pay details
Night-shift differential around +$2–4/hr.
Needs verificationSource: Community-reported
Employer- and contract-specific. Verify per employer before citing.
Credentials
Inspection Authorization (IA) requires 3 years of experience.
VerifiedSource: 14 CFR 65.91 (eCFR)
Regulatory fact. Confirm the current FAR text for any eligibility nuance.
A&P certification requires FAA written, oral, and practical exams for Airframe and Powerplant.
VerifiedSource: FAA — Become an Aviation Mechanic
FAA confirms knowledge (written), oral, and practical tests are required. Oral & practical are administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME).
Schools
PNW Part 147 schools: South Seattle College, Clover Park, Everett CC, Spokane CC, Big Bend, AIM Renton.
Needs verificationSource: FAA AMTS Facility Dashboard
Clover Park aviation program confirmed active. Verify each program is currently FAA-certified via the FAA AMTS facility dashboard — school status changes.
Exams
DMEs administer the oral & practical; scheduling and fees vary by DME.
VerifiedSource: FAA — Become an Aviation Mechanic
FAA: oral & practical tests are administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). DME locator at designee.faa.gov. Scheduling and fees vary by examiner.
Employers
Horizon Air and SkyWest hire new A&Ps in the PNW.
Needs verificationSource: Alaska Air Group careers; community reports
Horizon Air careers page lists aircraft maintenance technician roles. Hiring status changes frequently — verify current openings.
Boeing 737/787 systems are common at the SEA hub.
VerifiedSource: Alaska Airlines Fleet
Alaska Airlines operates Boeing 737 (737-8/9/10) and 787 at SEA; fleet ~351 aircraft (June 2026). Fleet mix shifts — verify current fleet if used for targeting.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Pay and hiring data are time-sensitive — re-verify before making career decisions.
Found Incorrect Information?
Let us know if any data is outdated, inaccurate, or needs updating