Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

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

$79,140
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+5% projected 2024โ€“2034
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians keep planes flying safely by maintaining, repairing, and inspecting aircraft systems and components. They work on engines, landing gear, brakes, hydraulic systems, and other mechanical and electrical parts, following detailed manuals and strict safety regulations. Much of their time is spent diagnosing problems using specialized testing equipment, then disassembling components, replacing worn parts, and reassembling everything to precise specifications. They perform routine inspections between flights, looking for cracks, corrosion, or other issues that could compromise safety. When problems arise, they troubleshoot the cause and make necessary repairs, often working under time pressure to get aircraft back in service.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, CA
$73,053
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)Sam Houston State University, TX
$63,369
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)Iowa State University, IA
$63,321
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)Kansas State University, KS
$63,239
Agricultural Mechanization(associates)North Dakota State College of Science, ND
$62,531
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE
$59,052
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)University of Wisconsin-River Falls, WI
$58,929
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)University of Idaho, ID
$58,929
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)Washington State University, WA
$58,929
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, NY
$58,929
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)Texas A&M University-College Station, TX
$58,929
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)Texas State University, TX
$58,929
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)University of Minnesota-Crookston, MN
$58,929
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)Tarleton State University, TX
$58,929
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)Montana State University-Northern, MT
$58,929
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)North Carolina State University at Raleigh, NC
$58,929
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, OK
$58,929
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)Ohio State University-Main Campus, OH
$58,929
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)Stephen F Austin State University, TX
$58,929
Agricultural Mechanization(bachelors)Purdue University-Main Campus, IN
$58,806
Agricultural Mechanization(certificate)Northeast Iowa Community College, IA
$56,331
Agricultural Mechanization(associates)Fort Scott Community College, KS
$56,322
Agricultural Mechanization(associates)Mitchell Technical College, SD
$55,301
Agricultural Mechanization(associates)Kirkwood Community College, IA
$54,829
Agricultural Mechanization(associates)Hawkeye Community College, IA
$54,139

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