Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
SOC Code: 49-3011Also known as:
Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mechanic, Aircraft AC Mechanic (Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic), Aircraft Accessories Mechanic, Aircraft Avionics Technician (Aircraft Avionics Tech), Aircraft Body and Bonded Structure Repairer
Median Annual Salary
$78,680
+4.0% growth (2024-2034)
11K
Openings/Year
139K
Current Jobs
What Aircraft mechanics and service technicians Do
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
💰 Salary
$78,680
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.0%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
11K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
139,400
Projected Employment (2034)
145,000
Related Careers
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
$79,830 •
+8.1% growth
Avionics technicians
$81,390 •
+8.2% growth
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
$61,680 •
-14.5% growth
Engine and other machine assemblers
$52,540 •
-21.1% growth
Aircraft service attendants
$41,540 •
+5.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Equipment Maintenance
Repairing
Troubleshooting
Operations Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
- Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
- Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
- Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
- Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
- Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.
- Check for corrosion, distortion, and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail, using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment.
- Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.
- Remove or install aircraft engines, using hoists or forklift trucks.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a aircraft mechanics and service technicians:
Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician
7,637 degrees awarded •
146 colleges offer this program
Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician
3,372 degrees awarded •
93 colleges offer this program
Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology/Technician
751 degrees awarded •
37 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become aircraft mechanics and service technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aircraft mechanics and service technicians make?
The median annual salary for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is $78,680.
What education do aircraft mechanics and service technicians need?
Most aircraft mechanics and service technicians positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician, Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician, Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology/Technician.
Is becoming aircraft mechanics and service technicians a good career choice?
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians is projected to see +4.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 11,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for aircraft mechanics and service technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring aircraft mechanics and service technicians include
Tulsa Technology Center, Polytech Adult Education, Eastern Florida State College, Traviss Technical College, School of Missionary Aviation Technology.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to aircraft mechanics and service technicians?
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians may also be known as: Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mechanic, Aircraft AC Mechanic (Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic), Aircraft Accessories Mechanic, Aircraft Avionics Technician (Aircraft Avionics Tech), Aircraft Body and Bonded Structure Repairer, Aircraft Cylinder Mechanic, Aircraft Electrician, Aircraft Engine Mechanic, Aircraft Engine Specialist, Aircraft Engine Technician (Aircraft Engine Tech), Aircraft Equipment Repairer, Aircraft Magneto Mechanic, Aircraft Maintainer, Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech), Aircraft Mechanic, Aircraft Motor Mechanic, Aircraft Pneudraulics Repairer, Aircraft Powertrain Repairer, Aircraft Restorer, Aircraft Rigging and Controls Mechanic.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.