Difference From U.S. Median
+$2,330
Median Hourly Wage
$39.52
Aircraft Mechanics Employed
2,260
Median Pay Rank Among States
16th of 50
Source: BLS OEWS
Projections Central expects aircraft mechanic jobs in Virginia to grow just 1.7% through 2034, from 2,360 to 2,400, well under the 4% pace projected nationally, though the state still adds about 180 openings a year. The aircraft mechanic salary in Virginia stands at a median of $82,200 a year, or $39.52 an hour, per BLS OEWS data for May 2025, $2,330 above the $79,870 U.S. median.
Virginia's median also outpaces its neighbor to the west by a wide margin. West Virginia's aircraft mechanics earn just $45,470 a year, $36,730 below Virginia's figure, the widest gap with any bordering state. Maryland is the only neighbor that pays more, at $100,500.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Virginia by Percentile
| Percentile | Virginia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,150 | $48,780 | +$9,370 |
| 25th percentile | $74,700 | $62,630 | +$12,070 |
| Median (50th) | $82,200 | $79,870 | +$2,330 |
| 75th percentile | $96,520 | $99,130 | -$2,610 |
| 90th percentile | $125,170 | $128,890 | -$3,720 |
| Mean (average) | $86,570 | $84,740 | +$1,830 |
Rank among states: 16th of 50. All 50 states compared
Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Virginia by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Employed | Median Salary | Hourly Median | Location Quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC, DC | 1,440 | $93,910 | $45.15 | 0.52 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk | 650 | $80,450 | $38.68 | 0.96 |
| Richmond | 140 | $75,100 | $36.11 | 0.24 |
Avionics Technician and Related Aviation Pay in Virginia
| Occupation | Employed | Virginia Median | U.S. Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft mechanics and service technicians | 2,260 | $82,200 | $79,870 |
| Avionics technicians | 250 | $85,660 | $82,280 |
| Transportation inspectors | 330 | $68,610 | $92,100 |
| Aerospace engineering and operations technicians | 270 | $81,040 | $82,890 |
Virginia Aircraft Mechanic Job Outlook, 2024 to 2034
| Occupation | 2024 Jobs | 2034 Jobs | Change | Openings per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft mechanics and service technicians | 2,360 | 2,400 | +1.7% | 180 |
| Avionics technicians | 520 | 570 | +10.8% | 50 |
Virginia's Job Outlook Through 2034
Virginia's aircraft mechanic workforce is projected to grow just 1.7% through 2034, from 2,360 to 2,400 positions, well below the 4% pace forecast nationally. Even with that slower growth, about 180 openings are expected each year, mostly from turnover in a workforce this size.
Virginia's Pay Advantage Over West Virginia
Virginia's $82,200 median towers over West Virginia's $45,470, a $36,730 gap that's the widest with any state on Virginia's border. Kentucky trails too, at $67,920, and North Carolina at $76,980. Only Maryland, at $100,500, pays more than Virginia among its neighbors.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Virginia vs. Neighboring States
Aviation Maintenance Schools in Virginia
FAA-approved schools in Virginia: 4. Compare Virginia programs
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Aircraft Mechanics Make in Virginia?
Is Aircraft Mechanic Employment Growing in Virginia?
Does Virginia Pay Aircraft Mechanics More Than West Virginia?
Which State Near Virginia Pays Aircraft Mechanics the Most?
Sources
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025: national, state, metropolitan area, and industry estimates
- Projections Central, State Occupational Employment Projections 2024-2034
- FAA AV-Info Part 147 school records
All sources retrieved .