Career Overview
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Also Known As
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech)
- Aircraft Mechanic
- Aircraft Technician (Aircraft Tech)
- Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A and P Mechanic)
Alternate Job Titles
- 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 Maintainer
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech)
- Aircraft Mechanic
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Transportation
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operation and Control
- Quality Control Analysis
- Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Control Precision
- Finger Dexterity
- Manual Dexterity
- Information Ordering
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Multilimb Coordination
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Stress Tolerance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- Acetylene welding equipment
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air compressors
- Air drills
- Aircraft lifting jacks
- Aircraft maintenance management systems
- Aircraft test stands
- Aligning jigs
- Allen wrenches
- Ammeters
- Aviation spark plug sockets
- Ball peen hammers
- Bastard files
- Borescopes
- Brakes
Work Environment
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $47,790 |
| Median | $78,680 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $120,080 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 136,390
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Avionics Technicians
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $81,390
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $61,680
Aircraft Service Attendants
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $41,540
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $79,830
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $52,540
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.