State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary (2026): Data, Outlook & How to Become One
The median pay for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians is $79,870 a year ($38.40/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 4.0% through 2034, with about 11,300 openings a year (BLS EP, 2024–2034). Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.
SOC 49-3011Installation, Maintenance, and RepairLast updated August 23, 2026
- Median pay
- $79,870
- Projected growth
- +4.0%
- Openings a year
- 11,300
- Typical education
- Certificate
BLS OEWS, May 2025
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
Also advertised as: Aircraft Maintainer, Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech), Aircraft Mechanic, Aircraft Restorer, Aircraft Service Technician (Aircraft Service Tech), Aircraft Technician (Aircraft Tech).
How much do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians make?
10th percentile$48,780
Entry / lowest-paid tenth
25th percentile$62,630
Lower quartile
Median (50th)$79,870
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile$99,130
Upper quartile
90th percentile$128,890
Top-paid tenth
| Median annual wage | $79,870 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly wage | $38.40/hr |
| Mean annual wage | $84,740 |
| People employed | 138,090 |
Versus all US occupations
At $79,870, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians earn 57% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $28,890 a year.
Versus installation, maintenance, and repair occupations
Inside the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair group, where the middle occupation pays $60,460, this is 32% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $128,890 or more while the bottom 10% earn $48,780, a gap of 2.6×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 66% of the 923 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
New Jersey pays the most at $105,370, and still leads at $96,843 once local prices are taken into account.
Which states pay Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians the most?
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $105,370 | $96,843 | 1,900 |
| New York | $102,800 | $95,255 | 4,300 |
| Maryland | $100,500 | $95,752 | 1,070 |
| Washington | $98,980 | $92,493 | 4,480 |
| Connecticut | $96,830 | $93,456 | 1,430 |
| Nevada | $94,890 | $94,910 | 2,570 |
| Massachusetts | $93,040 | $87,975 | 1,410 |
| Alaska | $91,150 | $89,049 | 1,470 |
| Hawaii | $90,830 | $82,610 | 1,150 |
| California | $86,100 | $77,764 | 12,590 |
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians4.0%
All US occupations3.1%
+4.0% projected growth vs 3.1% for all occupations.
About as fast as average
BLS projects employment of Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians to change 4.0% over 2024–2034, against 3.1% projected for all occupations. That is 5,600 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 11,300 openings are projected each year, 8.1% of the 139,400 jobs that existed in 2024. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Growing demand for passenger travel and goods transportation will increase air traffic over the coming years. As the use and number of aircraft increase, and as aircraft systems become more complex, more technicians will be needed to provide maintenance and repair services. The growing space industry also may add to this need.
How to become an Aircraft Mechanic
This is the genuine federal credential in this set. The FAA requires aircraft maintenance to be done either by a certificated mechanic with the appropriate ratings or by someone working under such a mechanic's supervision. The certificate comes in two ratings, Airframe and Powerplant, usually held together as an A&P. To get it you must be at least 18, read, write, speak and understand English, pass all the prescribed tests within a 24 month period, and either graduate from an FAA-certificated aviation maintenance technician school or document 18 months of practical experience for one rating or 30 months for both. The certificate itself never expires, but its privileges do lapse: you may not exercise them unless you have worked as a mechanic for at least 6 months in the preceding 24.
The credential path, step by step
- Meet the general eligibility requirements
Under 14 CFR 65.71 an applicant for a mechanic certificate must be at least 18 years of age, be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language (or, if employed outside the United States by a US air carrier, hold a certificate endorsed "Valid only outside the United States"), and have passed all of the prescribed tests within a period of 24 months.
- Choose the school route or the experience route18 months of experience for a single rating, 30 months for both, or a Part 147 school programme
Section 65.77 accepts either an authenticated document from an FAA-certificated aviation maintenance technician school under Part 147, or documentary evidence of at least 18 months of practical experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, machine tools and equipment used in constructing, maintaining or altering airframes or powerplants appropriate to the rating sought, or at least 30 months of practical experience performing the duties of both ratings concurrently. BLS notes that people on the experience route work under the supervision of a certificated A&P mechanic until they have enough experience to sit the exams, and that some train in the military.
- Pass the written tests
Section 65.75 requires a written test appropriate to the rating sought, covering the aeronautical knowledge subject areas in the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards. Each section must be passed before applying for the oral and practical tests. There is one useful exception: you may take the mechanic general written test before meeting the experience requirement if you present an authenticated document from a certificated aviation maintenance technician school showing satisfactory completion of the general portion of its curriculum.
- Pass the oral and practical tests
Section 65.79 requires an oral test and a practical test appropriate to the rating sought, demonstrating satisfactory understanding of the knowledge, risk management and skill elements in the Airman Certification Standards. Students at a Part 147 school whom the school shows to the Administrator have made satisfactory progress may take the oral and practical tests during the final subjects of their training, before meeting the section 65.77 experience requirement and before passing the written test.
- Take both ratings if you want the jobs
The FAA issues separate Airframe and Powerplant certificates for bodywork and engine work respectively, but BLS notes employers may prefer to hire mechanics holding both. A certificated mechanic applying for an additional rating must meet the section 65.77 experience requirement for it and pass the section 65.75 and 65.79 tests within 24 calendar months.
- Keep the privileges alive, then consider Inspection Authorization
Under 14 CFR 65.83 a certificated mechanic may not exercise the privileges of the certificate and rating unless, within the preceding 24 months, the Administrator has found them able to do the work, or they have served for at least 6 months as a mechanic under the certificate, technically supervised other mechanics, supervised maintenance or alteration in an executive capacity, or some combination of those. The next step up is Inspection Authorization: it requires holding both ratings, each effective for at least three years in total, being actively engaged for the two years before applying, having a fixed base of operations and the equipment, facilities and inspection data to inspect properly, and passing a written test. An IA expires on 31 March of each odd-numbered year and is renewed on evidence of continuing activity.
Exams you have to pass
FAA mechanic written tests (General, Airframe, Powerplant)
Written tests covering the aeronautical knowledge subject areas in the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards, appropriate to the rating sought. Each section must be passed before applying for the oral and practical tests, and all prescribed tests for a certificate must be passed within a 24 month period.
Administered by Federal Aviation Administration.
FAA mechanic oral and practical tests
An oral test and a practical test appropriate to the rating sought, demonstrating satisfactory understanding of the knowledge, risk management and skill elements for each subject in the Airman Certification Standards.
Administered by Federal Aviation Administration.
Inspection Authorization written test (IA)
A written test on the ability to inspect according to safety standards for returning aircraft to service after major repairs and major alterations and annual and progressive inspections performed under Part 43. An applicant who fails may not reapply for retesting until at least 90 days after the failure.
Administered by Federal Aviation Administration.
- Program accreditation
AMTS · FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School
A school certificated under 14 CFR Part 147 awards a certificate of completion that the FAA recognises as an alternative to the practical experience requirements in 14 CFR 65.77, and that also entitles the holder to take the relevant FAA exams. Programmes affiliated with community colleges may additionally award an associate degree. Students may sit the oral and practical tests during their final subjects, before completing the experience and written requirements.
- How long the training takes
The experience route requires at least 18 months of practical experience for a single rating or 30 months for both concurrently. An FAA-certificated Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school substitutes for that experience, and BLS notes some programmes affiliated with community colleges also award an associate degree.
- Continuing education
Not required
The mechanic certificate does not expire and there is no continuing education requirement, but 14 CFR 65.83 makes the privileges conditional on recent experience: you may not exercise them unless within the preceding 24 months you have served at least 6 months as a mechanic under the certificate, technically supervised other mechanics, supervised maintenance or alteration in an executive capacity, or a combination of those, or the Administrator has found you able to do the work. Inspection Authorization is different again: it expires on 31 March of each odd-numbered year and renewal requires evidence of specified inspection or repair activity in each year of the cycle, or completion of an acceptable refresher course of not less than 8 hours of instruction.
Licensing and state variation
Not a state license
The mechanic certificate is federal and identical in every state, and no state licence exists on top of it. Two adjacent credentials do differ in kind: avionics technicians may be certified by their employer for the specific aircraft work they perform, and those who work on communications equipment may need a licence issued by the Federal Communications Commission, which is federal but separate from the FAA mechanic certificate.
Who governs the credential
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — Issues the mechanic certificate with Airframe and Powerplant ratings under 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart D, certificates the aviation maintenance technician schools under Part 147 whose graduation substitutes for the experience requirement, and grants the Inspection Authorization that lets experienced A&P mechanics approve many major repairs and alterations.
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — Issues the commercial radio operator licence that BLS notes avionics technicians working on communications equipment may need. It is separate from, and additional to, the FAA mechanic certificate.
Credential detail for aircraft mechanics is researched by hand from the bodies that issue it, not derived from BLS or O*NET. Sources last checked August 23, 2026. Requirements change: confirm with your own state board before enrolling in anything.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians, How to Become One · checked August 23, 2026
- eCFR, 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart D — Mechanics (65.71 eligibility, 65.73 ratings, 65.75 knowledge, 65.77 experience, 65.79 skill, 65.80 AMTS students, 65.83 recent experience, 65.91 to 65.93 Inspection Authorization) · checked August 23, 2026
- eCFR, 14 CFR Part 147 — Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools · checked August 23, 2026
What the federal data says
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians typically need postsecondary education, such as a certificate from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved program. Some enter the occupation with an associate’s degree; others have a high school diploma and train on the job or in the military. These workers typically are certified by the FAA.
| Typical entry-level education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
|---|---|
| Preparation needed (O*NET job zone) | Some preparation |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as aircraft mechanics and service technicians.
- Post-Secondary Certificate66.2%
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)15.1%
- High School Diploma10.0%
- Some College Courses8.1%
- Bachelor's Degree0.6%
What does an Aircraft Mechanic do?
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians install, test, adjust, and repair equipment and systems in aircraft.
Day-to-day tasks
- Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
- Assemble and install electrical, plumbing, mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components and accessories, using hand or power tools.
- Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
- Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
- Inventory and requisition or order supplies, parts, materials, and equipment.
- Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
- Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work full time. They may work 8- or 10-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Where the work happens
- Outdoors in all weather at least weekly
Physical demands
- On their feet more than half the working day
- Regular bending or twisting
Working with people
- Face-to-face discussions every day
Pressure and stakes
- Meeting strict deadlines at least weekly
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey, showing only the signals people in the job report decisively one way or the other.
Where aircraft mechanics and service technicians work
| Support activities for air transportation | 32% |
|---|---|
| Air transportation | 26% |
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 16% |
| Federal government | 10% |
| Couriers and express delivery services | 4% |
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.1/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Monitoring3.6/5
- Active Listening3.5/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Active Learning3.1/5
- Writing3.0/5
- Mathematics2.9/5
Transferable skills
- Equipment Maintenance4.9/5
- Repairing4.9/5
- Troubleshooting4.5/5
- Operations Monitoring4.3/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.9/5
- Operation and Control3.8/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.5/5
Tools and software
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Accounting software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Compiler and decompiler software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Document management software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
What personality type suits an Aircraft Mechanic?
Interest profile: O*NET Occupational Interests, scored 1–7
Realisticprimary6.7
Investigativeprimary3.8
Artistic1.0
Social1.3
Enterprising1.8
Conventionalprimary4.7
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Aircraft Mechanic: frequently asked questions
How much do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians make?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians earn a median of $79,870 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 57% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $38.40/hr. The middle half earn between $62,630 and $99,130. The top 10% earn $128,890 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Aircraft Mechanic?
Not a degree, but you do need credentialed training: BLS lists a postsecondary non-degree award (a certificate or license program) as the typical entry route for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 66.2% hold post-secondary certificate.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a growing career?
It is stable rather than fast-growing: employment is projected to change 4.0% over 2024–2034, about the same as the 3.1% projected across all occupations (BLS EP, 2024–2034). BLS still projects about 11,300 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Aircraft Mechanic do?
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians install, test, adjust, and repair equipment and systems in aircraft. A core O*NET task: read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components. Employers most often ask for Electronic mail software, Enterprise resource planning ERP software, Office suite software.
Which states pay Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians the most?
The highest state medians for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians are New Jersey ($105,370), New York ($102,800), Maryland ($100,500) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits an Aircraft Mechanic?
O*NET scores Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians highest on the Realistic, Conventional and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 923 occupations in the bank.
How long does it take to become an Aircraft Mechanic?
The experience route requires at least 18 months of practical experience for a single rating or 30 months for both concurrently. An FAA-certificated Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school substitutes for that experience, and BLS notes some programmes affiliated with community colleges also award an associate degree.
Do you need a license to work as an Aircraft Mechanic?
Not a state license. The mechanic certificate is federal and identical in every state, and no state licence exists on top of it. Two adjacent credentials do differ in kind: avionics technicians may be certified by their employer for the specific aircraft work they perform, and those who work on communications equipment may need a licence issued by the Federal Communications Commission, which is federal but separate from the FAA mechanic certificate.
What exams and certifications apply to an Aircraft Mechanic?
The FAA mechanic written tests (General, Airframe, Powerplant), the FAA mechanic oral and practical tests, the IA (Inspection Authorization written test). Written tests covering the aeronautical knowledge subject areas in the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards, appropriate to the rating sought. Each section must be passed before applying for the oral and practical tests, and all prescribed tests for a certificate must be passed within a 24 month period.