Logo

Aircraft Mechanics


Overview

Aircraft Mechanics

Introduction

Aircraft mechanics examine, service, repair, and overhaul aircraft and aircraft engines. They also repair, replace, and assemble parts of the airframe (the structural parts of the plane other than the power plant or engine). There are about 131,690 aircraft mechanics working in the United States.

Quick Facts


More

Median Salary

$62,920

More

Employment Prospects

Fair

More

Minimum Education Level

Some Postsecondary Training
img


More

Experience

Internships


More

Skills

Math
img


More

Personality Traits

Conventional
img

Earnings

Although some aircraft mechanics, especially at the entry level and at small businesses, earn little more than the minimum wage, the median annual income for aircraft mechanics was about $62,920 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The top 10 percent earned more than $97,820, while the bottom 10 percent earned $36,760 or less. In May 2019, Salary.com reported that aircraft me...

Work Environment

Most aircraft mechanics work a five-day, 40-hour week. Their working hours, however, may be irregular and often include nights, weekends, and holidays, as airlines operate 24 hours a day; extra work is required during holiday seasons.

When doing overhauling and major inspection work, aircraft mechanics generally work in hangars with adequate heat, ventilation, and lights. If the hangars ...

Outlook

Employment of aircraft mechanics is expected to grow slower than the average for all occupations through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Some growth will occur as a result of the gradual increase of air travel and the expected retirement of a large number of mechanics in the next decade. However, employment growth will be affected by the use of automated systems that make the a...