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Aircraft Mechanic & Service Technician

Also called: Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech), Aircraft Mechanic, Aircraft Technician (Aircraft Tech), Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A and P Mechanic)

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

No four-year degree needed Bright outlook Skilled trades
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Median pay
$79,870/yr
Typical range
$48,780 – $128,890
Outlook
Bright outlook

What does an Aircraft Mechanic & Service Technician do?

  • 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.

How to become an Aircraft Mechanic & Service Technician

Training: A certificate after high school or an associate's degree or other 2-year degree. Employees in these careers need one or two years of training. Both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers may be needed. An apprenticeship program may be a good choice for these careers.

Skills you'll use

Reading work related informationThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problemNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve itPlanning and doing the basic maintenance on equipmentRepairing machines or systems using the right tools

Is it a fit for you?

  • Cautiousness
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Stress Tolerance

Tools and technology

SAP softwareTracware AeroTracMicrosoft PowerPointMaintenance planning softwareMaintenance record software

Questions people ask

How much does an Aircraft Mechanic & Service Technician make?

About $79,870 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $48,780 and $128,890. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.

How long does it take to become an Aircraft Mechanic & Service Technician?

Employees in these careers need one or two years of training. Both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers may be needed. An apprenticeship program may be a good choice for these careers.

Do you need a college degree to be an Aircraft Mechanic & Service Technician?

No four-year degree is needed. A certificate after high school or an associate's degree or other 2-year degree.

Is Aircraft Mechanic & Service Technician a good career to get into?

O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.

Related careers

Aerospace Engineering & Operations Technologist & Technician$82,890 a yearAvionics Technician$82,280 a yearWelder$48,940 a yearElectrician$61,590 a yearPlumber$60,090 a yearHVAC Technician$51,390 a year

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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