Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians install, test, adjust, and repair equipment and systems in aircraft.
Is aircraft mechanics and service technicians a good career?
It scores 22/100 and ranks #274 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($79,870 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- No notable tradeoffs stand out in the wage and projection data.
What aircraft mechanics and service technicians earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. aircraft mechanics and service technicians earn between $62,630 and $99,130 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live aircraft mechanics and service technicians jobs
No live aircraft mechanics and service technicians openings yet
When the jobs.best ATS feed launches, verified aircraft mechanics and service technicians openings will appear here — each shown against the $79,870 national median. Nothing here is placeholder.
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- Typical education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
The FAA requires aircraft maintenance to be done either by a certified mechanic with the appropriate ratings or authorizations or by someone working under the supervision of such a mechanic.
The FAA offers separate certificates for bodywork (airframe mechanics) and engine work (powerplant mechanics), but employers may prefer to hire mechanics who have both ratings (A&P). The A&P ratings generally certify that aviation mechanics meet basic knowledge and ability standards.
Mechanics must meet minimum requirements, including for age and experience, to qualify for either the A rating, the P rating, or the A&P rating. Completion of a program at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school can substitute for the experience requirement and expedite the time for becoming eligible to take the FAA exams.
The Inspection Authorization (IA) is available to A&P-certified mechanics who meet experience and other requirements. These mechanics are able to review and approve many major repairs and alterations.
Avionics technicians may be certified by their employer for the specific aircraft work they perform. Technicians may get optional certification to substitute for some experience. They also may hold the airframe rating to work on an aircraft’s electronic and flight instrument systems.
Avionics technicians who work on communications equipment may need a license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Advancement
As aircraft mechanics and service technicians gain experience, they might advance to become lead mechanics, lead inspectors, or shop supervisors. Opportunities to advance may be best for those who have an inspection authorization (IA). Mechanics with broad experience in maintenance and repair may become inspectors or examiners for the FAA.
Important qualities
Detail oriented. Mechanics and technicians must adjust aircraft parts to exact specifications. For example, they often use precision tools to tighten wheel bolts to a specified tension.
Dexterity. Mechanics and technicians need to coordinate the movement of their fingers and hands in order to grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts.
Mechanical skills. Mechanics and technicians must be able to understand and interpret manufacturer instructions to repair, replace, and assemble aircraft components.
Observational skills. Mechanics and technicians must recognize engine noises, read gauges, and collect other information to determine whether an aircraft’s systems are working properly.
Physical strength. Mechanics and technicians may carry or move heavy equipment or aircraft parts, climb on airplanes, balance, and reach without falling.
Problem-solving skills. Mechanics and technicians must be able to diagnose problems with aircraft equipment and systems to determine the best way to repair them.
Related occupations
How much do aircraft mechanics and service technicians make?
The national median wage is $79,870 a year, with the middle half earning between $62,630 and $99,130 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is aircraft mechanics and service technicians a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 22 of 100 and ranks #274 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +4.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a aircraft mechanics and service technician?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award.
Where do aircraft mechanics and service technicians earn the most?
Among states, New Jersey pays the highest median ($105,370). Local pay for every state and metro is below.