All About Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Occupation Description Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Includes helicopter and aircraft engine specialists.
Life As an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician: What Do They Do?
- Test operation of engines and other systems, using test equipment, such as ignition analyzers, compression checkers, distributor timers, or ammeters.
- Determine repair limits for engine hot section parts.
- Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.
- Install and align repaired or replacement parts for subsequent riveting or welding, using clamps and wrenches.
- Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- Trim and shape replacement body sections to specified sizes and fits and secure sections in place, using adhesives, hand tools, and power tools.
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Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Required Skills
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.
Other Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Job Titles
- Carburetor Expert
- Supercharger Mechanic
- Rotor Blade Installer
- A & P Mechanic (Airframe and/or Powerplant Mechanic)
- Aircraft Technician
Is There Going to be Demand for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 10,900 job openings in this field each 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.
Average Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Salary
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 each U.S. state?
| 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
How do I Become an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician?
Are there Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician?
Where do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Work?
Below are examples of industries where Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians work:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician may also be interested in:
Those who work as an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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