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Aircraft mechanic school in California

11 aircraft mechanic programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

8 schools offer these aviation maintenance programs, and California has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians inspect, test and repair aircraft and their systems. Most train at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school, some in a two-year degree, and most are certified by the FAA; employers often prefer mechanics with both the airframe and powerplant (A&P) ratings.1 For the FAA mechanic certificate you must be at least 18, read, write, speak and understand English, and pass written, oral and practical tests.2

In California, 1 of the 11 programs takes students without a high school diploma, 7 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 3 ask for earlier courses first.

By kind, the 11 programs here are A&P certificate or diploma (4 programs), aircraft structures and assembly (2 programs), aviation maintenance (associate degree, 2 programs), airframe or powerplant only (2 programs), and 1 more of one other kind.

See the 11 programs

How much does aircraft mechanic school cost in California?

$1,975 to $19,815 is what most aircraft mechanic programs in California cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 11 programs with a price. All of them: $1,033 to $49,162

In the typical program

Finished the program
76%
Working 6 months later
58%
Earned a year, estimated
Not enough data
2 programs report it; a typical figure needs 5
Length
72 to 77 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in California may also offer aircraft mechanic school. How these figures are made

Is there free aircraft mechanic school in California?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 11 aircraft mechanic programs in California approved for WIOA funding

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11 programs

  • Aircraft structures and assemblyIn personEducation and courses

    Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Technician

    Antelope Valley College

    Lancaster

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Antelope Valley College, LancasterAircraft structures and assembly · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$47,400
    Price if you pay yourself$1,033

    453 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Technician at Antelope Valley College
    More details about Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Technician at Antelope Valley College
    Finished
    79%
    Working at 6 months
    22%
    Earned in a quarter
    $11,851
    Length
    16 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $218
    Students counted
    2,219
    Earned a year, estimated
    $47,400
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,033
    students trained with WIOA funding
    453
    Program website, Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Technician at Antelope Valley College

  • A&P certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificate

    San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office

    Visalia

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office, VisaliaA&P certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$39,854
    School website, Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificate at San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office
    More details about Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificate at San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office
    Finished
    63%
    Working at 6 months
    61%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    73 weeks, 29 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    305
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $39,854
    School website, Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificate at San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office

  • A&P certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Aircraft Mechanic

    Aviation Site-LAUSD

    Van Nuys

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Aviation Site-LAUSD, Van NuysA&P certificate or diplomaIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$6,080
    Program website, Aircraft Mechanic at Aviation Site-LAUSD
    More details about Aircraft Mechanic at Aviation Site-LAUSD
    Finished
    64%
    Working at 6 months
    58%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    75 weeks, 33 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,392
    Students counted
    127
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $6,080
    Program website, Aircraft Mechanic at Aviation Site-LAUSD

  • Aircraft structures and assemblyHybridNo diploma needed

    Low Observable Technician

    College of the Canyons

    Santa Clarita

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    College of the Canyons, Santa ClaritaAircraft structures and assembly · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$58,500
    Price if you pay yourself$5,225

    59 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Low Observable Technician at College of the Canyons
    More details about Low Observable Technician at College of the Canyons
    Finished
    76%
    Working at 6 months
    79%
    Earned in a quarter
    $14,623
    Length
    14 weeks, 12 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $775
    Students counted
    74
    Earned a year, estimated
    $58,500
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,225
    students trained with WIOA funding
    59
    School website, Low Observable Technician at College of the Canyons

  • Aviation maintenance (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    CA- Aviation Maintenance Technology (PowerPlant)

    College of Alameda

    Alameda

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    College of Alameda, AlamedaAviation maintenance (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,300
    Program website, CA- Aviation Maintenance Technology (PowerPlant) at College of Alameda
    More details about CA- Aviation Maintenance Technology (PowerPlant) at College of Alameda
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    72 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $450
    Students counted
    64
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,300
    Program website, CA- Aviation Maintenance Technology (PowerPlant) at College of Alameda

  • A&P certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Aviation Maintenance Technology Diploma

    California Aeronautical University

    Bakersfield

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    California Aeronautical University, BakersfieldA&P certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$33,550
    Program website, Aviation Maintenance Technology Diploma at California Aeronautical University
    More details about Aviation Maintenance Technology Diploma at California Aeronautical University
    Finished
    64%
    Working at 6 months
    47%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    75 weeks, 28 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $525
    Students counted
    46
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $33,550
    Program website, Aviation Maintenance Technology Diploma at California Aeronautical University

  • Aviation maintenance (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    CA-(AMT) Aviation Maintenance Technology (Airframe)

    College of Alameda

    Alameda

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    College of Alameda, AlamedaAviation maintenance (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,070
    School website, CA-(AMT) Aviation Maintenance Technology (Airframe) at College of Alameda
    More details about CA-(AMT) Aviation Maintenance Technology (Airframe) at College of Alameda
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    72 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $350
    Students counted
    41
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,070
    School website, CA-(AMT) Aviation Maintenance Technology (Airframe) at College of Alameda

  • Airframe or powerplant onlyHybridEducation and courses

    Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) / Aeronautics (Airframe-Maintenance Technology)

    City College of San Francisco

    San Francisco

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    City College of San Francisco, San FranciscoAirframe or powerplant only · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,880
    More details about Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) / Aeronautics (Airframe-Maintenance Technology) at City College of San Francisco
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    78 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $32
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,880

  • Airframe or powerplant onlyHybridEducation and courses

    Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) / Aeronautics (Powerplant)

    City College of San Francisco

    San Francisco

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    City College of San Francisco, San FranciscoAirframe or powerplant only · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,880
    More details about Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) / Aeronautics (Powerplant) at City College of San Francisco
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    78 weeks, 1 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $32
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,880

  • Aircraft mechanic apprenticeshipIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Aviation Technology/Aircraft Structures Mechanic Apprenticeship

    West Los Angeles College

    Culver City

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    West Los Angeles College, Culver CityAircraft mechanic apprenticeship · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,480
    Program website, Aviation Technology/Aircraft Structures Mechanic Apprenticeship at West Los Angeles College
    More details about Aviation Technology/Aircraft Structures Mechanic Apprenticeship at West Los Angeles College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Left out
    Cost of supplies
    $6,706
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,480
    Program website, Aviation Technology/Aircraft Structures Mechanic Apprenticeship at West Los Angeles College

  • A&P certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Aviation Maintenance Technology

    San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office

    Visalia

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office, VisaliaA&P certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$49,162
    Program website, Aviation Maintenance Technology at San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office
    More details about Aviation Maintenance Technology at San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    93 weeks, 26 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $49,162
    Program website, Aviation Maintenance Technology at San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office

How to pay for aircraft mechanic school in California

WIOA funding can pay for aircraft mechanic school in California

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for aircraft mechanic school

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.78

GI Bill for aircraft mechanic school

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.9

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Quick facts: Aircraft mechanic school in California

programs with a price cost under $2,000
3 of 11
lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
2nd of 13
aircraft mechanic programs here, against the typical state's 5
11 vs 5

State comparisons use the same figures as the aircraft mechanic school by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

Aircraft mechanic school in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Visalia and other California cities

Choosing an area filters the program list above.

Other training in California

How aircraft mechanic school compares with the rest of transportation and logistics: Transportation and logistics training in California

Where the California aviation maintenance program numbers come from

Which California aviation maintenance programs are on this list?

These are the aviation maintenance programs California approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).10 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what California offers.

How the prices and results of California aviation maintenance programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about aircraft mechanic school in California

Show the 10 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
  2. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: 14 CFR part 65, subpart D, Mechanics
  3. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  4. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  5. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  6. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  8. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  9. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  10. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List