Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

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

Also called: Aircraft Maintainer, Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech), Aircraft Mechanic, Aircraft Restorer, Aircraft Service Technician (Aircraft Service Tech), Aircraft Technician (Aircraft Tech), Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A and P Mechanic), Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), Aviation Mechanic, Helicopter Mechanic, Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mechanic, Aircraft AC Mechanic (Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic), Aircraft Accessories Mechanic, Aircraft Avionics Technician (Aircraft Avionics Tech), Aircraft Body and Bonded Structure Repairer, Aircraft Cylinder Mechanic, Aircraft Electrician, Aircraft Engine Mechanic, Aircraft Engine Specialist, Aircraft Engine Technician (Aircraft Engine Tech), Aircraft Equipment Repairer, Aircraft Magneto Mechanic, Aircraft Motor Mechanic, Aircraft Pneudraulics Repairer, Aircraft Powertrain Repairer, Aircraft Rigging and Controls Mechanic, Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic, Aircraft Steel Fabricator, Aircraft Structural Repairer, Aircraft Structures Mechanic, Aircraft Worker, Aircraft X-Ray Examiner (Aircraft X-Radiation Examiner), Airframe and Powerplant Technician (A and P Tech), Airframe Mechanic, Airframe Technician (Airframe Tech), Airline Mechanic, Airplane Mechanic, Airplane Rigger, Airplane Technician (Airplane Tech), Airplane Tester, Aviation Support Equipment Repairer, Carburetor Expert, Carburetor Specialist, Dinkey Engine Mechanic, Engine Installer, Engineman, Experimental Aircraft Mechanic, Experimental Rocketsled Mechanic, FAA Certified Powerplant Mechanic (Federal Aviation Administration Certified Powerplant Mechanic), Flight Test Mechanic, Flight Test Shop Mechanic, Fuel System Maintenance Worker, GSE Tech (Ground Support Equipment Technician), Heat and Vent Aircraft Mechanic, Helicopter Engine Mechanic, Helicopter Repairer, Hydraulic Mechanic, Ignition Mechanic, Jet Aircraft Servicer, Jet Engine Mechanic, Jet Mechanic, Landing Gear Mechanic, Launching Pad Mechanic, Magneto Electrician, Mechanical Developer Prover, Missile Mechanic, Pneudraulic Systems Mechanic, Powerplant Mechanic, Preflight Mechanic, Propeller Mechanic, Propeller-Driven Airplane Mechanic, Rocket Engine Component Mechanic, Rocket Engine Mechanic, Rotor Blade Installer, Structures Mechanic, Supercharger Mechanic, Utility Helicopter Repairer, Vacuum System Tester

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.
Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.
Remove or install aircraft engines, using hoists or forklift trucks.

Skills, machines and equipment

Equipment Maintenance
Repairing
Troubleshooting
Operations Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Operation and Control
Quality Control Analysis
Monitoring
Active Listening
Judgment and Decision Making

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate (66.17% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

62,630–99,130 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 49-3011.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate (66.17% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians