Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Median pay: $79,870/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +4% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 11,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
• Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
• Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
• Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
• Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.
• Check for corrosion, distortion, and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail, using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment.
What's the median pay for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
The median pay for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians is $79,870 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Employment for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians is projected to change +4% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.
How many job openings are there each year for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
About 11,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.