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What Does it Take to Be an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician?
Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Job Description Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Includes helicopter and aircraft engine specialists.
List of Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Job Duties
- Spread plastic film over areas to be repaired to prevent damage to surrounding areas.
- Disassemble engines and inspect parts, such as turbine blades or cylinders, for corrosion, wear, warping, cracks, and leaks, using precision measuring instruments, x-rays, and magnetic inspection equipment.
- Reassemble engines following repair or inspection and reinstall engines in aircraft.
- Measure the tension of control cables.
- Listen to operating engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions, such as sticking or burned valves.
- Assemble and install electrical, plumbing, mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components and accessories, using hand or power tools.
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Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Needed Skills
These are the skills Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
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
- Engineman
- Aircraft Powertrain Repairer
- X Ray Examiner of Aircraft
- FAA Certified Powerplant Mechanic
- Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A and P Mechanic)
Is There Going to be Demand for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
There were about 132,000 jobs for Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician in 2016 (in the United States). 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 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.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
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 do I Become an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician?
What education is needed to be an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician?
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
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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