Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Des Moines, IA: $60,306 (2026)

Aircraft Mechanic Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median aircraft mechanic salary of $60,306, which is $1,966 above the Iowa state average of $58,340. Compared to the national median of $65,550, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for aircraft mechanics in Des Moines spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $92,920 at the 90th percentile — a $54,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,480, while senior aircraft mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,320. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level aircraft mechanic earns around $40,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$40,480

$-3,520 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$61,640

$-5,360 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$88,320

$-7,680 vs national

Percentile	Des Moines	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$38,640	$37,380	$42,000
25th Percentile	$47,840	$46,280	$52,000
Median (50th)	$60,306	$58,340	$65,550
75th Percentile	$77,280	$74,760	$84,000
90th Percentile	$92,920	$89,890	$101,000

Percentile

Des Moines

10th Percentile

$38,640

25th Percentile

$47,840

Median (50th)

$60,306

75th Percentile

$77,280

90th Percentile

$92,920

How to Become a Aircraft Mechanic in Des Moines

Education

Most aircraft mechanic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Aircraft SystemsA&P CertificationFAA RegulationsAvionicsTroubleshootingSafety Protocols

Job Outlook

Nationally, aircraft mechanic employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make in Des Moines, IA? ▼

The median aircraft mechanic salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $60,306 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $65,550. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $92,920 (90th percentile).

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make per hour in Des Moines? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $60,306, a aircraft mechanic in Des Moines earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for aircraft mechanic pay? ▼

Des Moines's median aircraft mechanic salary of $60,306 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $58,340. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼

Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a aircraft mechanic salary of $60,306 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a aircraft mechanic in Des Moines? ▼

Most aircraft mechanic positions in Des Moines require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Aircraft Systems, A&P Certification, FAA Regulations, Avionics. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Des Moines, Iowa