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What You Need to Know About Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician
Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Example Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Includes helicopter and aircraft engine specialists.
Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Responsibilities
- Measure the tension of control cables.
- Clean engines, sediment bulk and screens, and carburetors, adjusting carburetor float levels.
- Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
- Inventory and requisition or order supplies, parts, materials, and equipment.
- Remove or cut out defective parts or drill holes to gain access to internal defects or damage, using drills and punches.
- Prepare and paint aircraft surfaces.
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Qualities of an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician
When polled, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Jobs
- Aircraft Engine Technician
- Aircraft Pneudraulics Repairer
- Mechanical Developer Prover
- Rocket Engine Component Mechanic
- Missile Mechanic
Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 132,000 jobs for Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,500 new jobs for Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 10,900 positions for Aircraft Mechanic or Technician per year.
The states with the most job growth for Aircraft Mechanic or Technician are Alabama, Nevada, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Massachusetts, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician
The average yearly salary of an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician ranges between $36,760 and $97,820.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians who work in Connecticut, Georgia, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $67,400 |
| Arizona | $62,280 |
| Arkansas | $51,150 |
| California | $70,750 |
| Colorado | $73,130 |
| Connecticut | $78,240 |
| Delaware | $62,250 |
| Florida | $63,040 |
| Georgia | $76,310 |
| Hawaii | $65,260 |
| Idaho | $54,960 |
| Illinois | $63,840 |
| Indiana | $49,090 |
| Iowa | $55,940 |
| Kansas | $56,840 |
| Kentucky | $79,590 |
| Louisiana | $60,340 |
| Maine | $51,570 |
| Maryland | $72,650 |
| Massachusetts | $67,420 |
| Michigan | $58,350 |
| Minnesota | $62,050 |
| Missouri | $62,490 |
| Montana | $55,900 |
| Nebraska | $46,180 |
| Nevada | $78,380 |
| New Hampshire | $57,270 |
| New Jersey | $69,090 |
| New Mexico | $62,140 |
| New York | $67,840 |
| North Carolina | $60,820 |
| North Dakota | $57,360 |
| Ohio | $59,490 |
| Oregon | $61,090 |
| Pennsylvania | $66,830 |
| Rhode Island | $51,670 |
| South Carolina | $62,120 |
| South Dakota | $53,730 |
| Tennessee | $58,170 |
| Texas | $63,860 |
| Utah | $60,770 |
| Vermont | $60,280 |
| Virginia | $67,000 |
| Washington | $68,140 |
| West Virginia | $54,220 |
| Wisconsin | $53,360 |
| Wyoming | $58,390 |
What Tools do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Maintenance record software
- Technical manual database software
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician
What education or degrees do I need to become an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician?
What work experience do I need to become an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Sector
Below are examples of industries where Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians work:
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.