What Do Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician Do?
Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Definition 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
- Modify aircraft structures, space vehicles, systems, or components, following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders, and technical publications.
- Spread plastic film over areas to be repaired to prevent damage to surrounding areas.
- Measure the tension of control cables.
- Locate and mark dimensions and reference lines on defective or replacement parts, using templates, scribes, compasses, and steel rules.
- Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- Listen to operating engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions, such as sticking or burned valves.
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Things an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Should Know How to Do
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.
Other Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Job Titles
- Jet Engine Mechanic
- X Ray Examiner of Aircraft
- Jet Mechanic
- Helicopter Mechanic
- Helicopter Repairer
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 10,900 job openings in this field each 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.
Aircraft Mechanic or Technician Salary
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
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?
Education needed to be an Aircraft Mechanic or Service Technician:
What work experience do I need to become an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician?
Who Employs Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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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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