What Do Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician Do?
Position Description Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Includes helicopter and aircraft engine specialists.
A Day in the Life of an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician
- Obtain fuel and oil samples and check them for contamination.
- Spread plastic film over areas to be repaired to prevent damage to surrounding areas.
- Clean, strip, prime, and sand structural surfaces and materials to prepare them for bonding.
- Reassemble engines following repair or inspection and reinstall engines in aircraft.
- Assemble and install electrical, plumbing, mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components and accessories, using hand or power tools.
- Measure the tension of control cables.
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What an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Should Know
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Aircraft Motor Mechanic
- Pneudraulic Systems Mechanic
- Aircraft Engine Mechanic
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech)
- Aviation Mechanic
Are There Job Opportunities for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 132,000 jobs in the United States for Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician. 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.
Do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians ranges between about $36,760 and $97,820 a year.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians who work in Connecticut, Georgia, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians make in each U.S. state?
| 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 & Technology do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians:
- 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 do I Become an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician?
What kind of Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician?
Where do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician may also be interested in:
Those who work as an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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