What is an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician?
Example of Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Job Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Includes helicopter and aircraft engine specialists.
Daily Life Of an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician
- Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
- Remove or cut out defective parts or drill holes to gain access to internal defects or damage, using drills and punches.
- Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
- Clean, refuel, and change oil in line service aircraft.
- Clean engines, sediment bulk and screens, and carburetors, adjusting carburetor float levels.
- Check for corrosion, distortion, and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail, using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment.
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Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Required Skills
These are the skills Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Types of Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician
- Airframe and Powerplant Technician (A and P Technicians)
- Airframe Technician
- Engine Installer
- Flight Test Shop Mechanic
- Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor
Are There Job Opportunities for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
In the United States, there were 132,000 jobs for Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician in 2016. 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.
Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Average 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 to Become an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician
What education is needed to be an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician?
Where Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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