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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Median Salary
75,020
Job Outlook
+5%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

83%

Federal Government

10%

Self-employed

3%

Private not for profit

2%

State and local government

2%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 13,400 openings for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$29,810

10%

$75,020

Median

$95,130

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Post-secondary certificate

    60%

  • Associate's degree

    24%

  • High school

    12%

  • Bachelor's degree

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician
  • Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician
  • Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Customer and Personal Service

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.