Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
SOC: 49-3011 O*NET: 49-3011.00
Median Salary
$78,680
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 4%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
11.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
What does a Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$47,790
10th percentile
Early Career
$61,920
25th percentile
Median
$78,680
50th percentile
Experienced
$95,050
75th percentile
Top Earners
$120,080
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$47,790
25th
$61,920
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$78,680
Mean: $80,780
75th
$95,050
90th
$120,080
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $72,290 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $61,920 and $95,050
- •Salary spread is 42.1% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 136,390 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:139,400
Top Industries
Support Activities for Transportation31.8%
Support Activities for Air Transportation31.6%
Air Transportation26.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4%
Annual Openings:11,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)139,400
Current
2034 (Projected)145,000
+4%
+5,600
Employment Change
+4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
15,900 jobs$80,3201.30x
Florida
14,470 jobs$75,4601.67x
California
12,820 jobs$84,9100.80x
Oklahoma
8,020 jobs$72,3605.36x
Georgia
5,950 jobs$77,8801.39x
North Carolina
5,410 jobs$69,3201.25x
Tennessee
4,980 jobs$85,5801.72x
Arizona
4,620 jobs$77,1301.63x
Alabama
4,600 jobs$86,7802.49x
Washington
4,230 jobs$85,0101.35x
Illinois
3,780 jobs$79,7000.70x
Kentucky
3,450 jobs$72,3201.96x
Ohio
3,210 jobs$78,8700.66x
New York
2,940 jobs$93,2000.35x
Michigan
2,930 jobs$69,3700.75x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Mechanical
100%
#2
Repairing
100%
#3
Problem Sensitivity
100%
#4
Equipment Maintenance
94%
#5
Public Safety and Security
94%
#6
Near Vision
92%
#7
Troubleshooting
86%
#8
Engineering and Technology
86%
#9
Written Comprehension
82%
#10
Operations Monitoring
80%
Skills Overview
Mechanical
advanced5.0
100%
Repairing
advanced5.0
100%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced5.0
100%
Equipment Maintenance
advanced4.7
94%
Public Safety and Security
advanced4.7
94%
Near Vision
advanced4.6
92%
Troubleshooting
intermediate4.3
86%
Engineering and Technology
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Mechanical
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Repairing
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Public Safety and Security
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Near Vision
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Troubleshooting
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Engineering and Technology
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Written Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Transportation
intermediateImportance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Robotics Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Industrial Machinery Mechanics82%
5 shared skills
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General82%
5 shared skills
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers82%
5 shared skills
Wind Turbine Service Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Public Safety and Security
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓English Language
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Education and Training
- →Mathematics
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Equipment Maintenance
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Public Safety and Security
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Equipment Maintenance
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Mechanical
- ★Public Safety and Security
- ★Engineering and Technology
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🌤️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (15)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Planning & Development (1)
1
Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Maintain, repair, and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts, such as wings and fuselage, rigging, hydraulic units, oxygen systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, gaskets, or seals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform88%
8
Measure the tension of control cables.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.93
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.52
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.38
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.21
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.18
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.16
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.9
Integrity
4.5
Dependability
4.4
Cooperation
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
Self-Control
4.2
Analytical Thinking
4.1
Stress Tolerance
4.0
Persistence
4.0
Initiative
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.7k program completions/year
Sonoran Desert Institute
Tempe, AZ
2.4k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
1.4k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.2k program completions/year
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, KY
1.2k program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
1.1k program completions/year
WyoTech
Laramie, WY
1.1k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute-Auto Motorcycle & Marine Mechanics Institute Division-Orlando
Orlando, FL
1.0k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute-Orlando
Orlando, FL
1.0k program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
914 program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
Avondale, AZ
909 program completions/year
St Philip's College
San Antonio, TX
882 program completions/year
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