What Does it Take to Be an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician?
Position Description Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Includes helicopter and aircraft engine specialists.
A Day in the Life of an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician
- Modify aircraft structures, space vehicles, systems, or components, following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders, and technical publications.
- Maintain, repair, and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts, such as wings and fuselage, rigging, hydraulic units, oxygen systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, gaskets, or seals.
- Remove or cut out defective parts or drill holes to gain access to internal defects or damage, using drills and punches.
- Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
- Read and interpret pilots’ descriptions of problems to diagnose causes.
- Remove, inspect, repair, and install in-flight refueling stores and external fuel tanks.
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What an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians say are important on the job.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- Aircraft Mechanic
- Aircraft Accessories Mechanic
- Trouble Shooter
- Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Apprentice
- Aviation Mechanic
What Kind of Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Job Opportunities Are There?
There were about 132,000 jobs for Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,500 new jobs for Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 10,900 positions for Aircraft Mechanic or Technician per year.
The states with the most job growth for Aircraft Mechanic or Technician are Alabama, Nevada, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Massachusetts, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician ranges between $36,760 and $97,820.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians who work in Connecticut, Georgia, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $67,400 |
| Arizona | $62,280 |
| Arkansas | $51,150 |
| California | $70,750 |
| Colorado | $73,130 |
| Connecticut | $78,240 |
| Delaware | $62,250 |
| Florida | $63,040 |
| Georgia | $76,310 |
| Hawaii | $65,260 |
| Idaho | $54,960 |
| Illinois | $63,840 |
| Indiana | $49,090 |
| Iowa | $55,940 |
| Kansas | $56,840 |
| Kentucky | $79,590 |
| Louisiana | $60,340 |
| Maine | $51,570 |
| Maryland | $72,650 |
| Massachusetts | $67,420 |
| Michigan | $58,350 |
| Minnesota | $62,050 |
| Missouri | $62,490 |
| Montana | $55,900 |
| Nebraska | $46,180 |
| Nevada | $78,380 |
| New Hampshire | $57,270 |
| New Jersey | $69,090 |
| New Mexico | $62,140 |
| New York | $67,840 |
| North Carolina | $60,820 |
| North Dakota | $57,360 |
| Ohio | $59,490 |
| Oregon | $61,090 |
| Pennsylvania | $66,830 |
| Rhode Island | $51,670 |
| South Carolina | $62,120 |
| South Dakota | $53,730 |
| Tennessee | $58,170 |
| Texas | $63,860 |
| Utah | $60,770 |
| Vermont | $60,280 |
| Virginia | $67,000 |
| Washington | $68,140 |
| West Virginia | $54,220 |
| Wisconsin | $53,360 |
| Wyoming | $58,390 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Maintenance record software
- Technical manual database software
Becoming an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician
Are there Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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