Do you have a passion for mechanics and aviation? Do you want to be part of a growing industry? Our program will prepare you for an exciting career in the aviation maintenance or aviation repair industry!
Aviation mechanics inspect the engines, landing gear, instruments, pressurized sections, accessories, electrical systems, and other parts of the aircraft, and do the necessary maintenance and replacement of parts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, with more than 14,000 openings for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians expected each year.
Our two-year program includes hands-on instruction at an airplane hangar at the Eastern Iowa Airport, as well as classes at Kirkwood. You will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or certificate, depending on which education path you choose. Upon passing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification exam, you can seek employment with national or regional air carriers, government contractors, large aircraft engine or component overhaul facilities, or small local maintenance facilities.
As of May 2022, the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $70,010. Entry-level wages range from $20 to $23.90 per hour.
To get into the Aviation Maintenance Technology program, you must meet the following additional standards. These steps/requirements are in addition to Kirkwood's steps to become a student.
Kirkwood and Aviation Maintenance Technology admissions policies and procedures are subject to change at any time. After all admissions criteria are met, students are accepted or placed on the waitlist to the program.
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year.
Students in this program may be eligible to have half their tuition paid for by the Kibbie Grant.
A program conference is required prior to acceptance to the program. You'll learn more about the program and have the opportunity to have questions answered by program faculty and staff.
Anyone interested in Aviation Maintenance Technology can complete a program conference in two ways:
Video Program Conference
Watch this video to learn more about the program and specific admissions requirements.
Zoom Program Conference
If you prefer a program conference via zoom, schedule one here.
If you have questions, please call 319-784-1719 or reach out to Sarah Dollmeyer (sarah.dollmeyer@kirkwood.edu) or Nathan Bellinger (Nathan.Bellinger@kirkwood.edu) via email.
Get ready to soar with an exciting career in Aviation Maintenance Technology! You’ll learn to inspect airplanes’ engines, landing gear, instruments, pressurized sections, accessories, electrical systems, and other parts of the aircraft, and do the necessary maintenance and replacement of parts.
School Year: 2024–25
Program Entry Semester: Fall
| Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 18 | 17 | 11.5 | 17 | 12 | 75.5 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,906 | $3,689 | $2,495.50 | $3,689 | $2,604 | $16,383.50 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $250 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course/Section Fees | $380 | $160 | $15 | $110 | $0 | $665 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $1,250 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,250 |
| Testing Fees | $175 | $0 | $575 | $375 | $0 | $1,125 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $5,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $5,000 |
| Uniforms | $300 | $0 | $0 | $300 | $0 | $600 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $6,061 | $8,899 | $3,135.50 | $4,524 | $2,654 | $25,273.50 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $217 (In-State), $290 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
Students in Kirkwood's Aviation Maintenance Technology program, as well as those pursuing the Powerplant Certificate or Airframe Diploma, are encouraged to join the Kirkwood chapter of SkillsUSA, a workforce development organization for students with nearly 400,000 members nationally.
SkillsUSA is one of eight recognized members of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO). CTSOs are co-curricular groups that help students in career and technical education programs further their knowledge and skills by participating in activities, events, and competitions.