An aspiring aircraft mechanic in Minnesota needs to know the steps necessary to secure admission into an accredited training program. They also need to know what to do once enrolled in a program, and the steps required to secure employment and pave the way for early career growth.
Although these may seem daunting and hard to keep up with, candidates will be glad to know that we have provided a comprehensive breakdown of the process steps below, presented concisely and straightforwardly.
By the time they finish the article, aspiring aircraft mechanics in Minnesota can consider themselves well-equipped to begin what we hope will be a wonderful journey and career.
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Minnesota
The following outlines the key steps to launching a lasting career as an aircraft mechanic in Minnesota.
Meet the Requirements
At the beginning of the journey to become an aircraft mechanic in Minnesota, an interested candidate must ensure they are in the right position to secure admission into a training program.
To do this, a high school diploma or GED is typically required. Basic math, mechanical aptitude, and comfort with technical concepts are helpful.
Enter a Training Program
The key to choosing a training program as an aspiring Minnesota aircraft mechanic is to ensure the FAA approves your program. Thankfully, there are several top-quality options to consider, and we will explore them in the list below.
Hands-On Experience
Training programs for aircraft mechanics typically last between 18 and 24 months. FAA-approved programs include extensive hands-on lab training. Upon completing their education, candidates also gain hands-on experience in the real world.
The Certification Examination
The Federal Aviation Administration oversees and administers Minnesota’s certification examination for aircraft mechanics. The exam consists of three parts: written, oral, and practical.
All future aircraft mechanics in the state must pass these examinations to secure employment.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
As mentioned above, the Federal Aviation Administration oversees and carries out Minnesota’s certification and licensing for aircraft mechanics. Students who complete the above steps can earn their FAA mechanic certificate and start working professionally.
It is also possible to become certified by the FAA as an aviation maintenance technician or, in the military, by completing an aircraft mechanic program at a military base.
Furthermore, after a couple of years of experience as an aircraft mechanic, candidates may advance their careers by pursuing the Inspection Authorization (IA) certification.
Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Minnesota
Minnesota’s most notable training programs for aspiring aircraft mechanics are:
Minneapolis College
Minneapolis, MN Campus Only
Minneapolis College is one of the state's most prominent destinations for aircraft mechanic training.
Email: admissions.office@minneapolis.edu
Tuition
$270 per CreditContact
Email in Bio
(612) 659-6000
Lake Superior College
Duluth, MN Campus Only
Lake Superior College is another popular school in the state offering a noteworthy training program for future aircraft mechanics. As one would expect, the Federal Aviation Administration fully approves this program.
Tuition
$5,784 - $10,983Contact
enroll@lsc.edu
(218) 733-7601
Northland Community & Technical College
Thief River Falls, MN Campus Only
Students seeking comprehensive training in all major areas of aviation maintenance technology may also consider the training option at Northland Community & Technical College.
Email: enrollment@northlandcollege.edu
Tuition
$196 per CreditContact
(800) 959-6282
Email in Bio
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Salary & Career Outlook
One of the most important things to note as an aspiring aircraft mechanic in Minnesota is that your exact salary depends on several factors, all of which can be optimized and improved with time.
It is common for new aircraft mechanics in the state to start with an annual average salary of around $52,212 (the figure for those in the bottom 10%) or around $77,199 (the figure for those in the average-earning range).
With time and other factors on their side, however, they may scale their earnings and begin to take home as much as $114,145, the highest paid in the state.
One factor to consider is location.
Notable cities in the state where aviation maintenance technicians earn higher salaries include Eden Prairie (the highest-paying city at $83,015 annually), Minnesota Lake ($82,334), and Minneapolis ($77,078).




